LeBron James has not only dominated the basketball world, but the whole world of sports over the last 10 years.
Given that fact, it wasn’t all that shocking when he was named AP’s male athlete of the decade on Sunday.
BREAKING:
NEW YORK (AP) _ LeBron James selected as AP male athlete of the decade.
Story upcoming momentarily.
Other top finishers:
2. Tom Brady
3. Usain Bolt
4. Lionel Messi
5. Michael Phelps— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 29, 2019
Though the award and recognition are certainly deserved, that does not lessen how huge of an achievement it truly is. Over the last ten years, James has not only been the face of the NBA, but the face of player empowerment, charity and more.
James reacted to the news with the humble confidence that he has become known for.
LeBron to AP on his decade: "You add another 10 years of learning and adversity, pitfalls, good, great, bad, and any smart person who wants to grow will learn from all those experiences."
And his highlight of the 2010s? "Definitely marrying Savannah. That would be No. 1."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 29, 2019
Entering the decade, James had yet to win an NBA title. Now, with the decade coming to a close, James has hoisted three Larry O’Brien trophies. He won two as a member of the Miami Heat and one with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His win with the Cavs not only marked a moment where the hometown hero made good on his promise to bring Cleveland a title, it also marked the end of one of the most memorable NBA Finals series in league history.
In that series, James led the Cavs back from a 3-1 series deficit to win in an iconic Game 7 versus the Golden State Warriors.
Now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, James will look to add a fourth title to his mantle by the end of the 2019-20 season.
