Article updated: 12/3/2012 11:23 AM

LeBron James chosen as SI’s Sportsman of the Year

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This image provided by Sports Illustrated shows the cover of the Dec. 10 issue, on sale now, featuring LeBron James who has been named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year 2012. James is the first NBA player to win the award since Heat teammate Dwyane Wade in 2006.

Associated Press

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When LeBron James learned he was Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year, the Miami Heat star was surprised. Not because he thought his achievements in 2012 weren't worthy, but because he figured what happened in 2010 was still holding him back. "I remember just like yesterday when I signed here and basically, like the roof caved in," James told The Associated Press, referring to the fallout from his infamous "Decision" to leave Cleveland for Miami in 2010.