[Pics] LeBron James Named Sportsman of the Year

Say what you want about LeBron James, but as far as Sports Illustrated is concerned the NBA star is 2012′s Sportsman of the Year.

James was honored with the distinction Wednesday night during the magazine’s annual awards ceremony at e-space in Manhattan, and was accompanied by his fiancé Savannah Brinson and BFF Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce.

When asked about receiving the award and what advice he would give the 17-year-old LeBron James who first appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2002, he said:

“There are going to be a lot of pitfalls, too. But it’s how you come back from those pitfalls and how you come back from those situations that will define you. You have obstacles you must go through.”

Check out more of LeBron accepting his award and pics laughing it up with Bey and Jay below.