LeBron James had one of the best finishes to a sports season in 2016, slapping a huge block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the NBA Finals while helping the Cleveland Cavaliers come back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors.
James, 31, is arguably one of the greatest players to ever lace up on a basketball court, and now he’s being honored for his accomplishments.
On Tuesday, the Associated Press announced that James would be their 2016 Male Athlete of the Year.
James collected 24 first-place votes, beating out a pair of Olympic legends: Michael Phelps (16) and Usain Bolt (9), the fastest men in water and on land, respectively, who are not accustomed to finishing behind anyone.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, the National League MVP who led his team to its first World Series title since 1908, tied for fourth with Golden State star guard Stephen Curry, last year’s winner. Cristiano Ronaldo, Von Miller and Andy Murray also received votes.
James joined Michael Jordan as the only NBA players to win twice. Jordan won it three straight years from 1991 to 1994.
Gymnast Simone Biles won the female side of the award on Monday.
