LeBron James, one of the greatest players in NBA history, has had profound thoughts about not winning the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award—a title that has eluded him throughout his career.

Throughout a career spanning over a decade and being regarded as one of the best defensive players, LeBron James has never had the opportunity to capture the DPOY award. This has prompted a reevaluation of the role and significance of defense in his career.

In a recent interview, LeBron shared his sentiments about this. He admitted that despite numerous individual and team successes, not securing this prestigious award remains a regret for him. “I can’t deny that the DPOY award has always been one of my big goals,” LeBron shared. “It’s part of the challenge and self-assessment.”

While LeBron has received much praise for his defensive abilities, the DPOY award remains a “missing medal” in his trophy collection. This has prompted LeBron and his fans to question how defense is evaluated and appreciated in the world of professional basketball.

However, LeBron also acknowledges that not winning the DPOY does not diminish his other accomplishments. “That’s not my sole objective. I’m still proud of what I’ve achieved and what I can bring to the team,” he said.

While LeBron may not have been fortunate enough to secure this award in his career, what’s important is that he has shown an appreciation for the role of defense and its necessity in a team’s success. Through his reflections, LeBron has affirmed that a player’s evaluation should not only be based on statistical numbers but also on how they impact the game and their team in every aspect of play.