James upset he's never won Defensive Player of the Year
Once in a while, LeBron James offers up some pretty candid honesty. Saturday's media availability ahead of Game 7 of the NBA Finals was one of those times.
When asked about the defensive aspect of his dominating play during the Finals, James said he feels slighted that he's never won a Defensive Player of the Year award.
"It's something I pride more than the offensive end," he told reporters. "I've been highly upset that I've never won Defensive Player of the Year. It was a goal of mine. It's still a goal of mine, so we'll see what happens with that the rest of my career."
The award is really the only piece of hardware that James' career is lacking. He's won NBA championships, league MVPs, Finals MVPs, a scoring title, and a Rookie of the Year trophy. He is a five-time member of the league's All-Defensive first team, but the last honor came in 2013.
Like other areas he's been overlooked in, James' physical stature and abilities have probably been taken for granted.
"I've always taken that side of the floor very seriously, and being able to guard multiple positions, being able to know what teams are doing out on the floor and putting my teammates in position to be successful," he said. "That's always been something I've taken pride in. Every now and then I'll protect the rim a little bit."
James has blocked 11 shots and recorded 10 steals in the last four games.