Lebron James Accepts Third MVP Award, Fans Have Mixed Reactions
Lebron James' third NBA MVP award has also brought the Miami Heat their first, which has now sparked a debate about whether he deserved the honor. Still, the All-Star player has said winning the coveted awarded three times is beyond his wildest dreams.
The Miami Heat forward received the MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern on Sunday, before his team hosted the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Arena. James thanked his fans, saying they were a big part of him winning the honor.
However, a debate broke out on Twitter about whether James is deserving of the honor.
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"Lebron James is the best player in the NBA," one fan tweeted.
However, others questioned his credentials for the award after his team trailed behind the Chicago Bulls' who earned the number 1 seed during the regular season.
"Can someone please explain to me how Lebron James gets to be the 2012 MVP when his team isn't even the number 1 seed," one fan tweeted. "Makes no sense!"
However, Riley explained why James deserved the honor, after a regular season where he boasted a career-high average of 53 percent shooting, 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists during the regular season.
"I think what he did is something very few players did prior to the lockout," Riley said after the honor was announced Saturday. "He was ready. He was one of the few players in the NBA who was absolutely ready for a short training camp and a 66-game season."
Despite the fact that many criticize James for being the only player in the league's history to win three MVP awards and no championship, James became one of six NBA players to earn the title so many times.
The All-Star revealed that receiving the title for the third time exceeded his aspirations as a child.
"I had dreams of being in the NBA. I had dreams about putting on an NBA uniform," James revealed at his news conference. "I never dreamed about being an NBA Most Valuable Player."
