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A18 SPORTS
Friday 28 december 2018

He promised: LeBron James is the AP’s male athlete of 2018

By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Basketball Writer
LeBron James went to the
NBA Finals for the eighth
consecutive year.
He changed addresses
again, leaving his Cleve-
land home for the second
time to join the Los Angeles
Lakers in the biggest move
of free agency over the
summer.
He remained arguably the
dominant player in the
basketball, adding even
more glitz on a legacy that
reached epic status long
ago.
It was, by any measure, a
fantastic year for James.
And even without a title,
it may have been his most
significant year.
For the third time, James
has been selected as The
Associated Press Male Ath-
lete of the Year — after
2018 saw him continue to
excel on the court, open
the “I Promise” school for
at-risk children in his home-
town of Akron, Ohio, and In this Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, follows through on a dunk as Denver Nuggets
further use his voice as an forward Paul Millsap, center, and guard Monte Morris watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles.
activist who bristled at be- Associated Press
ing told to “shut up and through Thursday. Player of the Year in all four ing and so important to the drop of a barbershop, has
dribble.” “In addition to being on ev- of his AP-winning years. culture and his friends.” been enormously popular.
“I would describe it as a eryone’s short list as one of Jordan’s three awards co- The “I Promise” school James has faced criticism
success because I was the league’s all-time great- incided with his first three is perhaps James’ most in recent days for posting
able to inspire so many est players, LeBron is among NBA championships in Chi- prized accomplishment rap lyrics that included the
people throughout the the hardest working players cago. And James’ first two yet. It opened in July for 240 phrase “Jewish money,” for
year,” James said. “I got to and is a thoughtful and im- times getting the award third- and fourth-graders, a which he apologized, and
go back to China, to Paris, pactful leader,” NBA Com- were in 2013 and 2016, public school in Akron that even rival coaches have
to Berlin, I opened up a missioner Adam Silver said. years where his fingerprints is perhaps like none other. spoken out about how he’s
school. “He serves on the execu- mussed up the Larry O’Brien Families — not just the used his fame for good.
And all these kids I was able tive committee of the Play- Trophy in a title celebration. kids — get support there, “To this day, he hasn’t
to see, all over the world ers Association even as he And James’ closest rivals in whether it’s by helping put missed a step,” San Anto-
and in my hometown, I was builds an impressive media the AP balloting this year — food on the table or pro- nio coach Gregg Popovich
able to inspire, to make company of his own. Betts and Ovechkin — also viding adult education or said earlier this year.
them think they can be so And what’s most inspiring, won titles in 2018. even legal assistance. “He hasn’t fallen off the
much more than what they and no surprise given his tal- James’ year included no And this is just the start. ledge and he’s been a
think they’re capable of ent and focus, is how he’s championship, no scoring James and his LeBron brilliant example for mil-
being. That was my outlook done all of this while em- title, no MVP award. But James Family Founda- lions of kids, especially kids
for 2018.” bracing his unique oppor- some of the people closest tion have enormous plans with lesser opportunity and
James received 78 points tunity to positively impact to James still considered for the school in the years haven’t had the same ad-
in balloting by U.S. editors communities in need.” 2018 to be his finest year ahead. vantages as others.”
and news directors an- James becomes the third yet. “It is already such a suc- On the court, he was al-
nounced Thursday, while man to win the award “I like to talk about genera- cess,” James said. “And ready an icon.
Boston Red Sox star Mookie at least three times, join- tions,” said Miami guard it’s something that I never Off the court, he’s looking
Betts was second with 46. ing Lance Armstrong (a Dwyane Wade, one of thought was possible un- to be one as well in the
Alex Ovechkin of the Wash- four-time winner from 2002 James’ best friends. til we made it happen. So years ahead.
ington Capitals was third, through 2005), Tiger Woods “There will never be an- yes, it’s been a pretty good “The next star is out there,”
Kansas City Chiefs quarter- (1997, 1999, 2000 and 2006) other Michael Jordan be- year.” James said. “And I’m not
back Patrick Mahomes was and Michael Jordan (1991, cause he was the first to be A busy year, too. just talking sports. Doctor,
fourth and Triple Crown 1992 and 1993). a global superstar, the first He had a documentary nurse, pilots, they’re out
winner Justify was fifth. Armstrong won the Tour to take the NBA to another series called “Shut Up and there.
On the court, James re- de France in each of his level. Dribble,” which discusses The one thing they need
mained dominant. He av- years as the AP recipient, There will never be another the role athletes have in is knowing that people
eraged 28.7 points, 8.8 — though he was later LeBron James, and a lot of the current political and care about them and care
rebounds and 8.4 assists stripped of the titles in a it is from what he’s done cultural climate. about their lives. I believe
in 2018 between his time doping scandal. away from the game. His show “The Shop,” featur- it’s part of my job, and I
with the Cavaliers and Lak- Woods won at least one Him understanding his ing James and friends talk- take it very seriously, to try
ers, playing in 102 games major and was the PGA’s voice has been so refresh- ing about life in the back- to tap into that.”q