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Congratulations Lebron! Sports Illustrated honored LeBron James as the 2016 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year at a star-studded gala at Barclays Center in New York on Monday night. Grammy award-winning artist Jay Z paid tribute to the Cleveland Cavaliers star in a speech in which he recognized his transcendent year on and off the court.
Jay Z on LeBron James: “LeBron James has made all of those around him better on and off the court. We acknowledge and recognize all he has done for the game. But, tonight we say thank you. Not just for your commitment to basketball, but for all you’ve done for the community. And thank you for how you’ve enriched the lives of all those around you. We messed around and got a triple double in real life.”
Thankful for everyone’s love and support James said: “This award is for my wife. This award is for my mother. This award is for my three kids back home … This award is for the great Muhammad Ali, for Bill Russell, for Jim Brown, for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar…. So as I stand up here, as the recipient of the 2016 Sportsperson of the Year, this isn’t about me – this is much bigger than me and I just want to say thank you to everyone.”
Actor and comedian J.B. Smoove hosted the event, and acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar gave a surprise performance and toasted LeBron James. The live show was co-produced by JASH. The event was sponsored by Symetra and Champagne Armand de Brignac is the official champagne partner. Others in attendance include Ray Lewis, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, SI Swimsuit models Ashley Graham, Hailey Clauson and Kate Bock, legendary rapper Nas and more.
To learn more visit SI.com/Sportsperson and view photos from the evening below. Enjoy!
Source: Sports Illustrated
Photos Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
Featured Image: Robert Beck/Sports Illustrated
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