LeBron James named SI's Sportsperson of the Year for second time

For the second time in his illustrious career, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has been named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year.

The announcement comes a day after SI named NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell as two of the three recipients for its Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.

James, who dug the Cavaliers out of a 3-1 hole in the NBA Finals to bring Cleveland its first major sports championship since 1964, is only the second person to win the award (which began in 1954) twice, joining Tiger Woods (1996, 2000). James also won in 2012 after winning his first NBA championship wit the Miami Heat.

“It’s hard to remember a year with such a crowded field of Sportsperson candidates,” said Chris Stone, Sports Illustrated editor in chief. “But in the end LeBron James was the clear choice. It’s not just the way he took over the NBA Finals — though that performance was epic. It’s that LeBron was also carrying the weight of that promise he made when he returned to Cleveland in 2014."

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James — revered for his dominance on the court and philanthropic efforts off — will be honored alongside Abdul-Jabbar, Russell and Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown at SI's Sportsperson of the Year celebration at the Barclays Center on Dec. 12.

"It’s a special thing for a favorite son to follow through on that kind of commitment to his hometown," Stone said. "Especially since he doubles down on that commitment off the court, with the work his foundation does for underserved kids in Akron and with his increasing willingness to speak out in the fight for social justice. On court and off, James was the athlete in full in 2016."

James is the seventh NBA player to win the award. Also on the list: Dwyane Wade (2006), Tim Duncan and David Robinson (2003), Michael Jordan (1991), Abdul-Jabbar (1985) and Russell (1968).

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