LeBron James earns 'respect' and fourth Finals MVP award

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles while holding the MVP trophy after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. [ Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports]

LeBron James became the first player to win NBA Finals MVP honors with three different teams on Sunday, and for LA Lakers coach Frank Vogel the Ohio native has cemented his status as the best player “the basketball universe has ever seen”.

James’s fourth NBA championship, which came after he led the Lakers to a 106-93 win over the Miami Heat in Game Six, also saw him take home his fourth Finals MVP award.

He trails only Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan, who won six to go with his six NBA championships.

The 35-year-old James, who also won the award during two championship runs with Miami and one with Cleveland, averaged 29.8 points per game on 59% shooting in the Finals while leading a defensive effort that handcuffed the Heat offense in Game Six.

While many still consider Jordan as the sport’s best player of all time, Vogel put James above him.

“He’s the greatest player the basketball universe has ever seen,” Vogel told reporters.

James’s fourth NBA championship, which came after he led the Lakers to a 106-93 win over the Miami Heat in Game Six, also saw him take home his fourth Finals MVP award.

He trails only Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan, who won six to go with his six NBA championships.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after a play against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. [Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports]

The 35-year-old James, who also won the award during two championship runs with Miami and one with Cleveland, averaged 29.8 points per game on 59% shooting in the Finals while leading a defensive effort that handcuffed the Heat offense in Game Six.

While many still consider Jordan as the sport’s best player of all time, Vogel put James above him.

“He’s the greatest player the basketball universe has ever seen,” Vogel told reporters.

“And if you think you know, you don’t know, okay, until you’re around him every day, you’re coaching him, you’re seeing his mind, you’re seeing his adjustments, seeing the way he leads the group.”

Lakers team mate Kyle Kuzma said James was a driving force on the court and off it.

“He’s one of the greatest leaders in sports, not just the NBA,” said Kuzma.

“He’s always rallying the troops, talking in group chats and making sure everybody’s fine. Holds everybody to a high standard. Makes everybody accountable.

“Everything you want in a leader.”