Glenn Coleman
Apr 17, 2024 - 04:00

LeBron James Criticizes Former Lakers Teammate's Award: Kind of Stings

LeBron James aims for the elusive Defensive Player of the Year award to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest.

LeBron James, a basketball legend with an impressive resume of NBA accomplishments, recently revealed that there is one award that continues to elude him and "stings" - the Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite his 20 All-Star appearances, 19 All-NBA honors, three MVPs, and four NBA championships, this particular accolade is missing from his collection.

During a discussion on "The Shop," James expressed his frustration at not having won the Defensive Player of the Year award, drawing a comparison to Beyonce, who despite her numerous Grammy wins, has never won "Album of the Year." James has been named to the All-Defensive team six times, with one of those honors not being as a first-teamer. In the 2012-13 season, he finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Marc Gasol, who interestingly did not make the First-Team All-Defense that season.

Winning the Defensive Player of the Year award would have placed James in elite company alongside Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo as the only players to win both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. However, despite his defensive prowess, James acknowledges that his abilities on that end of the court have diminished in recent years.

As James continues to strive for excellence on both ends of the court, his desire to add the Defensive Player of the Year award to his collection remains a driving force. With the Lakers gearing up for the postseason, James' determination and skill set will be crucial for their success. Despite his age and the wear and tear of his career, James continues to showcase his talent and competitive spirit, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his abilities. The quest for the elusive Defensive Player of the Year award serves as a reminder of James' relentless pursuit of greatness and his unwavering commitment to excellence on the basketball court.