LeBron James is AP's Male Athlete of the Year

Updated: 2013-12-27 07:54

(Agencies)

Miami Heat's LeBron James holds the Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell MVP trophy (L) after the Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs to win Game 7 of their NBA Finals basketball playoff in Miami, Florida June 20, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

MIAMI - LeBron James of the Miami Heat is The Associated Press' 2013 Male Athlete of the Year, becoming the third basketball player to capture the award in its 83-year history.

James received 31 of the 96 votes cast in a polling of news organizations. Peyton Manning got 20 votes to finish second; Jimmie Johnson was third with seven. In all, 15 other athletes received at least one vote.

James joins Michael Jordan and Larry Bird as NBA players to win the award. Jordan won in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Bird won in 1986.

James led the Heat to their second straight NBA championship in 2013, winning his fourth MVP award and second NBA Finals MVP along the way.

Serena Williams was this year's Female Athlete of the Year, announced Wednesday.