LeBron James Once Beat Swimming Legend Michael Phelps To Win A Massive Award Alongside Simone Biles In 2016

LeBron James has been the best basketball player in the world for the better part of the decade. His accolades speak for themselves. He has accomplished everything he had set out to do since the start of his NBA career. James is truly a modern-day great and can be put up with the likes of Tiger Woods, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

All of these players have dazzled the world with their sporting skills. James is just one of them. He is a global superstar worth billions. In 2016, he also did something that would have been considered improbable before it happened.

He reversed a 3-1 lead and led his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to an NBA title. That same year, the Olympics took place in Rio de Janeiro. Swimmer Michael Phelps won five gold medals in the Olympics while the young gymnast, Simone Biles, became the nation’s sweetheart. She won four gold medals and captured everyone’s heart.

In the 2016 AP Athlete awards, LeBron James won the male athlete of the year award while Biles won the female one. Phelps came second and sprinter Usain Bolt came third. There were votes as well for Stephen Curry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Andy Murray. James’ heroics against the Golden State Warriors trumped them all. It was something very special for ‘King James.’

LeBron James was the hero of Cleveland in 2016

Why was it special? He promised the city that he will win them their first title in 2014. Before his arrival, the Cavaliers were just another small market team. Their hopes of winning an NBA title were low, but the arrival of LeBron James changed all of that. Cleveland became a constant presence in the playoffs and even reached the Finals in 2007. LeBron carried them, but they lost to the more experienced San Antonio Spurs.

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LeBron left for Miami in 2010 and came back to Cleveland in 2014 after winning two titles. This time, it had to be done. In 2015, they sadly lost to a great Golden State team but in 2016, they met again. This time, the Warriors were on a tear. They had a 73-9 record during the regular season, which is a regular season record. If they would have won the NBA title, they would have been one of the best teams ever.

It was going to happen as Stephen Curry and co. were ahead 3-1. No team in history had ever come back from such a deficit in the Finals. LeBron didn’t buckle down. Instead, he scored 41 points each in Games 5 and 6 to equal the series and take it to Game 7.

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LeBron came up with a triple-double during the seventh game. During the final moments, he blocked an important shot by Andre Iguodala to help his team win the game and the title. He did the impossible and proved that he was indeed one of the best ever to lace up his boots.