Four-time NBA MVP Lebron James has been named the Associated Press male athlete of the year.

James in winning the award received 78 points in balloting by U.S. editors and news directors to finish ahead of Boston red Sox star Mookie Betts, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington capitals and Kansas city chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The 33 year old now becomes the fourth man to win the award at least three times, joining lance Armstrong (a four-time winner from 2002 through 2005), tiger woods (1997, 1999, 2000 and 2006) and Michael Jordan (1991, 1992 and 1993).

The all-NBA forward is currently averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists for the L.A Lakers who occupy the number 4 spot in the western conference with 20 wins and 14 losses.

He has been ruled out of action for the next few games after straining his left groin during the third quarter of the 127-101 win over the golden state warriors on Christmas Day.