- Report: People close to LeBron described January loss to Celtics as worst defeat for him mentally since J.R.’s Finals blunder
- Russell Westbrook’s brother seemingly reacts to LeBron James being disappointed that Lakers didn’t acquire Kyrie Irving
- Josh Giddey downplays possibility of LeBron James breaking scoring record vs. Thunder
- Report: Raptors and Jazz are ‘plan B’ options for Lakers while Hornets, Spurs and Bulls are other ‘teams to watch’
- Report: Lakers had ‘serious concerns’ about Kyrie Irving’s professionalism and availability
- Report: Lakers still optimistic they can upgrade their roster before the trade deadline
- Report: Nets owner’s presumed objective was to send Kyrie Irving anywhere but Lakers
- Report: Lakers could be willing to give up Austin Reaves and Max Christie for Kyrie Irving in unexpected twist
- Report: There’s pessimism that Lakers will land Kyrie Irving due to his contract demands
- Anthony Davis preaches ‘urgency’ as Lakers lose critical game to Pelicans
LeBron James Takes Shot at Defensive Player of the Year Voters From 2012-13 Season
- Updated: September 19, 2020
Earlier this week, it was announced that the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo won the regular season MVP award.
In doing so, he became just the third player to win the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year award in the same season.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James fell short of such a feat several years ago, and he made his feelings known about it.
"I had a chance to be defensive player of the year and also MVP in the same season. In that year Marc Gasol was rewarded defensive player of the year, but he made 2nd team all-defense."
-LeBron James
(Via @BenGolliver )— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) September 19, 2020
James won his fourth and most recent MVP award in the 2012-13 season, and he was also named to the All-Defensive First Team that year.
James was also considered a frontrunner for this year’s MVP award after leading the league in assists at age 35.
Although he was considered one of the game’s premier defenders earlier in his career, James has never won the Defensive Player of the Year award.
At this point of his career, James seems more focused on team accomplishments rather than individual accolades.
By helping his Lakers defeat the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Akron, Ohio native is one step closer to his fourth NBA title.