Despite having earned an NBA record 20 All-Star appearances, 19 All-NBA accolades, three MVP awards, and four NBA titles, he claims that one trophy still eludes him and “stings.”
“Defensive Player of the Year,” James declared on the most recent “The Shop” episode, which aired on X on April 16. “The only trophy I don’t have in my home is that one.” I’ve mentioned this before, but it kind of stings since the person who won defensive player of the year the year I finished second didn’t even make first team all-defense.
Pop sensation James likened himself to Beyoncé. Despite having the most Grammy awards in history, she has never taken home the “Album of the Year” title.
James, an NBA legend, has been named to the All-Defensive team six times.
Of these, just one did not play on the first team. In question is the 2012–13 campaign, in which James came in second to Marc Gasol. In the 2020–21 season, the two would join the Lakers as colleagues. However, Gasol spent that crucial season playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Marc Gasol’s Defensive Player of the Year Award Receives Criticism from LeBron James
James finished second in the competition for Defensive Player of the Year that season, won MVP, and was named to the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams.
James would have become one of only three players in history to win both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year titles in the same season, along with Michael Jordan (1988–88), Hakeem Olajuwon (1993–94), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2020–21).
It’s interesting to note that Gasol’s win was the second consecutive DPOY given to a player who didn’t make the first team all-defensive in the same year.
Similar to Gasol, Tyson Chandler won in 2011–12 while making the Second Team All-Defense.
In the 38 years that the award has been given out, it has only occurred four times. That may serve to emphasize James’ argument that it is illogical. That was the closest he got to winning the prize in the vote.
It makes sense that James’ defensive ability has declined in recent seasons.
When needed, James, 39, is still able to use his innate powers. But in crunch time, he is no longer the same player who used to hawk lesser guards.
One method to silence detractors would be to place that prize on the mantle. In the discussion about who the best player of all time is, it would have added another feather to his cap. This worries James even after he called himself the greatest of all time.
For opponents, it might be a double-edged sword.
