LeBron James Named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for 3rd Time

Even though he wasn’t able to cap it off with another NBA title, 2018 may have been the most significant year in the career of LeBron James.

Accordingly, the Lakers forward was named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, the third time the NBA superstar has received the honor.

In addition to leading a ragtag crew of questionable talent all the way to the NBA Finals, 2018 saw James excel away from the court as well opening the “I Promise” school for at-risk children in his hometown of Akron, speaking out as an activist after being told to “shut up and dribble,” and further growing his already formidable brand by taking his talents to Los Angeles.

“I would describe it as a success because I was able to inspire so many people throughout the year,” James said. “I got to go back to China, to Paris, to Berlin, I opened up a school. And all these kids I was able to see, all over the world and in my hometown, I was able to inspire, to make them think they can be so much more than what they think they’re capable of being. That was my outlook for 2018.”

James was the clear winner for the award, taking home 78 points from AP voters. He’s now the third man to win the award at least three times, joining Lance Armstrong (a four-time winner from 2002 through 2005), Tiger Woods (1997, 1999, 2000 and 2006), and Michael Jordan (1991, 1992 and 1993).

Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts was second with 46. Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was third, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fourth and Triple Crown winner Justify was fifth.