TIME magazine has named the Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, Athlete of the Year, to recognize what the star has achieved both on and off the court.
In October, LeBron led the Lakers to a record-equalling 17th championship title, with the majority of the campaign being held in an NBA bubble.
He is the first player in NBA history to win the accolade with three different teams. This will be James’ fourth NBA title and fourth Finals MVP award. Only Michael Jordan, with six titles, has more.
Since then, LeBron has extended his contract with the Lakers, signing a two-year deal with a reported $85 million.
In speaking out against racial inequality and police violence, James has been one of the leading voices in sports. Before the US presidential election this November, he supported voter registration, setting up the “More Than A Vote” organization to address systematic, discriminatory repression of votes.
The group consists of famous black athletes and musicians who have used their social media accounts to inspire and educate their fans about casting a vote for the election this year.
“Not only is he the best player,” tennis champion Naomi Osaka, who wore masks honoring victims of racial violence during her run to the US Open title in September, told TIME, “but he has the most powerful voice.”
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, another athlete to speak out against social injustice, also told TIME: “When I saw across the pond that another top athlete was also fighting for similar causes, I knew, OK, I’m not alone here.”
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