Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James said it was an honor to be named Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year but added that the award is more about those who came before him and the city of Cleveland.
James and Tiger Woods are the only two-time winners of the award.
"For me, it's more about the city of Cleveland," James said during Thursday's practice. "It's more about me recognizing the G.O.A.T. Muhammad Ali, for Bill Russell and Jim Brown and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar getting a lifetime achievement award. That's what it's all about."
James led the Cavaliers to their first NBA title last season, helping lead the team back from a 3–1 series deficit to the Golden State Warriors.