NBA Royalty Has A New Title

LeBron James takes flight during last summer's Olympic Games in Beijing, where he helped Team USA win its first gold medal since 2000.  Yesterday, the Cavaliers forward was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player, the first time he has earned that honor.  (Photo courtesy of NBA.com)

LeBron James may not have a championship ring, but he does have three new letters on his already illustrious resume: MVP.

The 24-year-old small forward was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player yesterday morning for the first time in his career, receiving all but 12 of the 121 first-place votes.  Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, last year's MVP, finished second.  Miami's Dwyane Wade, Orlando's Dwight Howard and Hornets guard Chris Paul rounded out the top five.  James is the first Cavaliers player to win the award.

"I'm 24 years old and receiving this award, I never thought it would happen this fast," said James, who averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game for Cleveland this season.  "I never dreamed about being MVP, but if I said I didn;t enjoy this award, I'd be lying."

King James and Cleveland open their Eastern Conference semifinal series tonight against the Atlanta Hawks, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. Eastern time.