STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

BET Awards 2022: 5 Reasons Why LeBron James Won 'Sportsman of the Year' Award in 2021

The four-time NBA championship winner holds the title for most wins in this category.

LeBron James is regarded as one the greatest Basketball players of all time, having won four championships and awarded the title of NBA Finals MVP and overall Most Valuable Player four times in his nearly three-decade-long career. However, it’s not only what the 37-year-old has done on the court but, more importantly, off of it that has garnered respect from fans and peers alike and has earned him the title of King James.

During the BET Awards 2021, James received the “Sportsman of the Year Award,” given to the previous year’s best and most successful male athlete.  King James holds the record for most title wins in this category, with eight total.

Check out things we believe lead to this prestigious honor.

  • He married his high school sweetheart

    LeBron James and the gorgeous Savannah Brinson on September 14, 2013. The beautiful couple share three children: sons Bronny, Bryce, and daughter Zhuri.

  • Philanthropy

    When he isn’t putting in work on the court, James is doing it in the community. He has an active role in the Boys & Girls Club, ONEXONE, and the Children’s Defense Fund. He also started his own charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation, which raises money for several organizations in his hometown.

  • He’s always repping his hometown

    James has never forgotten his roots growing up in Akron, Ohio. He may have played in cities such as Miami and Los Angeles, but Akron will always be his home. He purchased brand new uniforms for the entire football team At his alma mater high school.

  • His work ethic is inspiring

    This sports star never stops. James is known to train year-long and participate in activities such as yoga, advanced training techniques, and intense weight training, just to list a few. It’s no wonder He’s one the greatest of all time.

  • He’s a veteran “Sportsman of the Year” winner

    With seven wins already underneath his belt, what’s another win for a legacy many will spend years trying to recreate. The star also holds the record for eight wins in this category.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.