He departed from Cleveland and moved to Miami where he achieved championship status. Then he returned to northeast Ohio, his cherished hometown, and fulfilled a promise by winning another championship. Following this, he transferred to the Los Angeles Lakers to face new challenges. He participated in eight consecutive finals, becoming the NBA player with the most victories and MVP awards in the past decade. Additionally, he established a school and tied the knot with his high school sweetheart.
“Is that it?” LeBron James questioned, pretending to be shocked.
No, that’s not the complete tale. Those were merely some of the high points from the past decade. There were numerous more, as the man known as “King” spent the previous ten years ruling supreme over all others – showing no indications of losing momentum.
James is The Associated Press male athlete of the decade, adding his name to a list that includes Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and Arnold Palmer. He was a runaway winner in a vote of AP member sports editors and AP beat writers, easily outpacing runner-up Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.
“You add another 10 years of learning and adversity, pitfalls, good, great, bad, and any smart person who wants to grow will learn from all those experiences,” James, who turns 35 Monday, told The AP. “A decade ago, I just turned 25. I’m about to be 35 and I’m just in a better (place) in my life and have a better understanding of what I want to get out of life.”
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who dominated the sprints at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, was third. Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was in fourth position, while the fifth spot was taken by Michael Phelps, the U.S. swimmer who retired as the most decorated Olympian in history, boasting 28 medals, 23 of which were gold.
On Sunday, James was declared the winner, a day following the announcement of Serena Williams as the AP’s female athlete of the decade. Currently in his 17th season, he is projected to lead the league in assists for the first time, while still being one of the NBA’s top scorers.
“I’m never surprised when LeBron James is involved,” said Denver coach Michael Malone.
Over the last decade, including playoffs, James has outscored everyone in the NBA. He began the decade at 124th on the league’s all-time scoring list and is now on the verge of surpassing Kobe Bryant to claim the No. 3 spot. Both No. 2 Karl Malone and No. 1 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are within his reach.
Is Abdul-Jabbar the target? Is surpassing him the goal for the new decade?
“Clearly, I see it,” admitted James. “I’m not attempting to set specific goals like ‘if I play this much’ or ‘if I average this much’… I’ve never approached my career like that. I’ve always just let things unfold naturally. Whatever is meant to happen, will happen. But yes, I do see it.”
Even now, his work ethic continues to amaze those closest to him.
Despite his fame and fortune, James continues to be a workaholic. A typical day for him this past summer began with him waking up at 3 a.m. and arriving at the Warner Bros. lot by 3:45, where a weight room and court specifically built for him awaited. He would start lifting weights by 4 a.m., practicing shots by 5:30, and by 7 a.m., he would be ready to film his long-planned remake of “Space Jam.”
“He does whatever it takes to meet his commitments to everything, particularly his game and craft,” said Mike Mancias, a long-standing and trusted member of James’ inner circle, who has been responsible for maintaining James’ fitness for over 15 years. “That’s just who he is.”
James’ 2010s began with “The Decision”, a television broadcast where he controversially announced his move from Cleveland to Miami. Despite criticism, the show raised over $2.5 million for charity. James played for the Heat for four years, during which he made it to the NBA Finals each time alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. He won the championship in 2012, famously stating, “it’s about damn time” during the trophy ceremony. The following year, he led his team to a Game 7 victory over San Antonio, securing back-to-back titles.
“Miami coach Erik Spoelstra commented, ‘His leadership skills significantly developed here. He influenced victories as much through his leadership as his skills. I believe that was the most vital lesson he took away from us. He’s been able to apply that model at various franchises.”
When he left, Cleveland was heartbroken but forgave him. James made a homecoming in 2014, leading Cleveland to four straight finals, and subsequently guiding the Cavaliers to the 2016 championship. He capped off this period with one of his greatest plays ever – a chase-down block of Andre Iguodala from Golden State in the final seconds of Game 7 in the series.
In 2018, he headed off to LA.
His move to Hollywood was logical given his current pursuits – he is producing films, owns a production company, and hosts “The Shop” under his ‘Uninterrupted’ venture, which features guests ranging from Drake to California Governor Gavin Newsom. It was on this show that Newsom signed a bill permitting college athletes to receive remuneration for the use of their image and to sign endorsement contracts.
“Several memorable moments from this decade come to mind, such as winning two championships in Miami, claiming a championship in Cleveland, and the chase-down block,” said James. “However, the standout moment? Without a doubt, marrying Savannah. That would be my top choice.”
Six years ago, James and his long-term partner, Savannah Brinson, tied the knot. The couple already had two sons, who are already accomplished basketball players, and welcomed a daughter in 2014.
For the majority of the past decade, James has also been a focal point for critics.
He frequently utilized his voice on societal issues, voicing his opinion following the murder of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager in Florida, and actively supporting Hillary Clinton’s campaign. He also endorsed Colin Kaepernick’s form of protest against racial prejudice and police brutality. However, he faced recent criticism from numerous people, including prominent U.S. legislators, for his comments following a tweet by Houston’s general manager, Daryl Morey. Morey’s tweet, which backed pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, caused a significant dispute between the NBA and China.
James stated, “I don’t dwell on past mistakes. Over the past ten years, there hasn’t been a single moment I wish I could relive. If a situation turned out poorly or I feel I could have handled it better, it became a learning experience for me.”
He is unsure about the duration of his playing career. He expresses regret over the time missed with his children. His “I Promise” school, which began in 2018 in his native Akron, Ohio, has quickly become a success. He is eager to see this initiative continue to flourish.
He is loved by some and not by others, but he doesn’t care.
“Believing in your calling or in yourself means being unfazed by others’ opinions or feelings,” said James. “If you let that hinder or distract you from your mission, you won’t make any progress.”
James was undeterred by anything in the 2010s.
