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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cameron Fields

Report: LeBron James named AP male athlete of the decade

As one of the best NBA players ever, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has made an indelible mark in the 2010s.

James has had so much success in the decade that he was recently voted as the AP’s male athlete of the decade, according to an article from the AP’s Tim Reynolds. 

According to the AP, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady came in second for the voting. Usain Bolt, Lionel Messi and Michael Phelps rounded out the rest of the top five.

While James burst onto the scene in the 2000s, the 2010s is where he made a legacy. James won all three of his championships in the decade, and he also won three Finals MVPs. James leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a title in 2016 will always be near the top of his long list of accomplishments.

On top of that, he won three MVP awards in the decade, and he is currently No. 4 on the league’s all-time scoring list.

The influence James has had in helping change the business of basketball is arguably just as good as his on-court performance.

When James left Cleveland for the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010, he changed NBA free agency, ushering in the player empowerment era. With his company Uninterrupted, James has also helped athletes share their stories from their perspectives.

Aside from his basketball achievements, though, James has made a difference off the floor. His philanthropy in establishing the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, shows his commitment to helping his community.

The 2010s have been a memorable decade for James. As he continues his career in Los Angeles, winning more championships and earning any other accolades will only add to his legacy.

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