For the fourth time in his storied career, LeBron James has been named the NBA Finals MVP.
James claimed the honour unanimously over teammate Anthony Davis, as the Los Angeles Lakers earned their 17th title in franchise history, defeating the Miami Heat 106-93 in the series-clinching Game 6.
"I put myself, my body and my mind in position to be available to my teammates," James said. "I've never missed a playoff game in my career, and the best thing you can do for your teammates is be available. And for me to be available to my teammates and put in the work, I just hope I make my guys proud, and that's all that matters to me. "I make my guys proud, make the fan base proud, my family back home, I can't wait to get back home to them. Akron, Ohio, we did it again. And that's what it's all about."
James assembled one of his greatest championship-series ever to deliver the Lakers their first title in a decade, averaging 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game on outstanding 59.1 per cent shooting from the floor and a 41.7 per cent mark from three-point range.
In the decisive Game 6, he stole the show with a triple double -- the NBA Finals-record 11th of his career -- with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.
Winning the Finals MVP award for the fourth time moves James into a tie with Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal and Magic Johnson for second-most all-time -- trailing only Michael Jordan, who claimed the award in all six of his championship wins.
James also become the first player in NBA history to win the award with three different franchises: the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and now, the Lakers.
The only other players who have earned the honour with two teams were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who did so with the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, and Kawhi Leonard with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.
After playing 17 seasons, the 35-year-old's appearance in Game 6 was the 260th of his playoff career, lifting him into sole possession of first place on the league's post-season appearances list.
That unrivalled longevity propelled him a fourth championship, giving him more rings than any other active player -- and one shy of an exclusive group of 13 players who have won five which includes Johnson, Duncan and the late Kobe Bryant.
``Our organization wants their respect. Laker Nation wants their respect,'' James said. ``And I want my damn respect, too.''
-- With files from the Associated Press.
