Sports

Time magazine crowns LeBron James 2020 Athlete of the Year

Published

December 10, 2020

Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James has been crowned Time’s 2020 Athlete of the Year in recognition of his achievements both on and off the court.

The 35-year-old used his influence to speak out against racial injustice and police brutality. He also promoted voter registration, setting up the organization “More Than A Vote” in an effort to combat systemic, racist voter suppression ahead of the November presidential elections in the US.

More Than A Vote non-profit group is made up of prominent Black athletes and artists who used their social media channels to encourage and educate their followers on how to cast a ballot for this year’s election.

Portrait by Tyler Gordon for TIME

Launched on June 23 by James with a single-minded focus on getting more people to the polls, More Than A Vote pushed for sports arenas to be used as polling places on the grounds that they could allow for social distancing while accommodating large numbers of voters.

MORE READING! Lagos Police apologise to DJ Switch over arrest misinformation

In the hope of keeping lines moving and locations open, they recruited young people to replace older poll workers who were sidelined by fears of COVID-19. By August, nearly 50 athletes, entertainers and media figures—including WNBA player and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr.—had signed on as founding members.

James played led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship—his first with the team and fourth overall.

MORE READING! Court halts Ganduje's suspension, restores APC membership

The NBA Championship was Lakers’ record-equalling 17th championship title and James’ fourth NBA title and fourth Finals MVP award.

James became the first player in NBA history to win the accolade with three different teams. Only Michael Jordan, with six titles, has more.

-Times/CNN