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LeBron James Earns PBWA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

By Tevin Williams

Apr 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gives his jersey to a young fan after the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena. The Raptors won 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gives his jersey to a young fan after the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena. The Raptors won 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward LeBron James adds another trophy to his collection, but this time for his work off the court.

LeBron James was awarded the 2017 PBWA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. The honor is awarded to a player, coach, or trainer who consistently gives back to their community.

James was given the award because of his efforts to help educate underprivileged youth that live in his hometown in Akron, Ohio.

LeBron’s charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), has taken a large role in the community. LJFF will buy the children’s school uniforms, groceries for their families, and even award some with tickets to Cleveland Cavaliers games.

James’ foundation also announced a partnership with Akron Public Schools to create a school for children in Akron called I PROMISE. The school will open it’s doors in the fall of 2018 for third and fourth graders. They will add first and second graders by the next school year in 2019. By 2022, I PROMISE will educate first through with grade.

For LeBron, the recognition for his efforts in the community is reassuring.

"“It means a lot. I do so much for my community and my foundation does a great job of giving families and kids and the youth an opportunity to better their lives and better their futures and for that part of what I do to be recognized, it’s definitely an award that not only myself and my foundation but all my kids that are a part of my program and all the people that look up to me, it’s their award for sure.”"

The King was one of only five finalist for the award. The others were Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trailblazers guard C.J. McCollum and Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph.

LeBron and Co. has taken care of business on the court, too.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have steamrolled through the East this postseason, as they have advanced to a 10-0 record. With Boston Celtics star point guard Isaiah Thomas out for the rest of the series, so expect the winning streak to continue.

LeBron has already added many accolades to his resume in the postseason so far. He passed Michael Jordan in steals, led the Cavaliers to a NBA record 13 straight wins, was named to the All NBA first team for a record 11th time, and has dominated in every game so far.

Do you think that LeBron James is the most influential athlete in sports? Leave your comments in the comment section or on Twitter @KJG_NBA.