LeBron James, who lead the Miami Heat to its second straight NBA Finals title earlier this year, was named the Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year today.
James had an incredible year, in which he got married and also won his fourth NBA MVP award, notes The AP. He received 31 of 96 votes and became the third state basketball star to win the award, which has been handed out since 1931. He beat Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson.
“I'm chasing something and it's bigger than me as a basketball player,” James, 28, said in a n AP interview. “I believe my calling is much higher than being a basketball player. I can inspire people.”
James said that he didn’t think much had changed for him over the past year. "I've just improved and continued to improve on being more than just as a basketball player,” he said. “I've matured as a leader, as a father, as a husband, as a friend.”
The Heat are currently at 22-6, with the second-best record in the East. James has laos signed on to star in a Kevin Hart comedy called Ballers.
Serena Williams was named AP Female Athlete of the Year on Wednesday and Jennifer Lawrence was picked as AP Entertainer of the Year on Monday.
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