Despite the fact that 2020 has been quite a tough year for many, it hasn't been all bad for Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward and NBA legend LeBron James. After recently winning his fourth NBA title and his first as a member of the Lakers, James has now been awarded his third Sportsperson of the Year cover by the famed Sports Illustrated.

LeBron James, having earned such an honor in both 2012 and 2016 in addition to 2020, noted the occasion: “King James” responded to learning about such news with just two emojis on Twitter.

LeBron James' initial Sportsperson of the Year cover came back in 2012 after he won his first NBA title as a member of the Miami Heat, a championship that was paired with NBA Finals MVP honors as well. He also won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

LeBron James was then awarded his second cover in 2016 after winning another NBA title, this time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also won another NBA Finals MVP Award that year.

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Although LeBron James has overcome quite a bit during his time atop the highest level, there is no doubt that the 2019-20 campaign was the most challenging for everyone involved — not just the Lakers superstar.

Even though the 2019-20 season was unlike any other in NBA history for all the wrong reasons, LeBron James still managed to lead the Lakers to the franchise's latest championship after Los Angeles encountered one of the worst stretches of basketball in team history leading up to the start of last season.

With LeBron James recently signing a contract extension to remain in Los Angeles for several more seasons, the Lakers have a legitimate shot at repeating in 2021.

Given that the Lakers have beefed up their roster with the acquisitions of Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell — plus other role players — LeBron James has to feel he has all the resources he needs to defend another NBA crown, which he did once before in 2013 with the Miami Heat.