LeBron James ESPYS 2012: King James Will Rake in Awards at Ceremony
When LeBron James finally won the ring that had been eluding him his entire NBA career, it validated the immense media hype he has been receiving since his days at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
LBJ is a regular topic on almost every ESPN talking head show, his highlights are featured on SportsCenter seemingly daily during the NBA season and he’s generally thought to be one of the most polarizing but popular athletes in the country.
Love him or hate him, King James is here to stay, and he’s going to be recognized for his accomplishments on the court and popularity off it tonight at the 2012 ESPY Awards.
Let’s take a look at which trophies he has a chance to add to his hardware collection.
BEST MALE ATHLETE
Other Nominees: Novak Djokovic (Tennis), Aaron Rodgers (NFL/Green Bay Packers), Justin Verlander (MLB/Detroit Tigers)
LeBron’s epic performance during the NBA regular season earned him an MVP award, and his postseason heroics, especially in the Eastern Conference finals and NBA Finals resulted in a newfound respect—as well as a Finals MVP award—for the 27-year-old.
These other men all had excellent years, but no one else captured the attention of the nation and dominated his sport like James did during the lockout-shortened season.
BEST CHAMPIONSHIP PERFORMANCE
Other Nominees: David Freese (World Series MVP), Eli Manning (Super Bowl MVP), Tony Stewart (NASCAR Sprint Cup champion), Jonathan Quick (NHL Conn Smythe Trophy winner).
LBJ averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game during the NBA Finals.
He finished the decisive Game 5 with a triple-double and put the coup de grace on any doubt that he was winning his first Finals MVP trophy and likely his first Best Championship Performance ESPY.
BEST NBA PLAYER
Other Nominees: Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics).
There is absolutely no question that LeBron will get this award.
Kevin Durant iss arguably the only other player that deserves to be in the discussion, but the fact that the Thunder were blown out in the Finals just proves James is better at this point.
Considering he won every major regular season and postseason award from the league itself, the ESPY voters would be crazy to pick another winner for this trophy.
