LeBron James chosen as Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of Year

December 1st, 2016, by NBA.com staff - Today, in recognition of his big 2016, LeBron James was named Sports Illustrated’s 2016 Sportsman of the Year.

According to the editors at Sports Illustrated, LeBron James was picked as a winner because of his connection with the community of Cleveland and Ohio. The promise that he's given when he came to play for his hometown's team was his burden to wear. The fulfillment was a climax for the entire region.

SI editors say:

LeBron James certainly did not save Cleveland or northeast Ohio, but he lifted the area in unmistakable ways. ... This award celebrates northeast Ohio as much as its does the region’s favorite son. In a very crowded year of Sportsperson candidates, the connection between player and community, his community, can be fairly described as the tiebreaking vote.

Personal take

In my mind, LeBron's biggest achievement was his transformation from the whiner to the winner. He managed to overcome his inner conflicts, the pressure from his surroundings and the mighty opponents on the court. In the end, he did this as a member of a team which is the most important.

Congratulations, LeBron!

Watch the video with LeBron speaking about receiving the award.

Read the full article here.