The Associated Press announced Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James as the 2020 Male Athlete of Year. James has now won the award for a fourth time, tying Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods for the most among male athletes since it was first given out in 1931.
The organization acknowledged the 16-time All-Star’s fourth NBA title won with the Lakers in the Orlando bubble last season. But AP additionally emphasized James’ off-the-floor deeds, including efforts to make voting accessible to members of minority groups and investments in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
The Lakers star told the AP he hoped to continue inspiring future generations with his actions stretching beyond basketball:
“I still know what I do on the floor and obviously, I give everything to the game,” James told AP.