The Phantom Trophy: The Thorn in the Nail of LeBron James with Marc Gasol

The King of the NBA still has not forgotten the Best Defender of the Year 2013, an award that he considers his own and that the Spanish center took from him.

The NBA, that universe of stars and egos, often gives us stories that transcend the court. One of the most persistent, and which resurfaces with each individual award ceremony, is the thorn that LeBron James, the living legend of the Los Angeles Lakers, has with Marc Gasol. The Best Defender of the Year award for the 2012-2013 season, an award that the Catalan center won on his own merits, continues to be, according to LeBron, a “theft” from his career.

Even though more than a decade has passed, and Marc Gasol has hung up his boots to preside over Bàsquet Girona, the shadow of that award hangs over the memory of 'The King'. It is, perhaps, the only major achievement missing from his impressive record in the American league, and his frustration is palpable every time he has the opportunity to mention it. It's not an open secret; LeBron has said it loud and clear on several occasions.

The current president of the Girona club won the award in 2013, beating other great defenders in the league. For LeBron, however, that season he was more deserving of that recognition. The irony of fate meant that years later, in the 2020-2021 season, LeBron and Marc Gasol shared a locker room in the Los Angeles Lakers, a reunion that, far from ironing out rough spots, served to fan the flame of that old dispute.

In 2024, LeBron brought up the topic again on the popular podcast 'The Shop'. “That is the only prize that I don't have in my house and that somehow hurts,” he confessed with a hint of bitterness. The Akron star didn't bite his tongue and added: “It doesn't make sense. The year I finished second for Defensive Player of the Year, the guy who won it wasn't even on the first defensive team.” Some statements that, although they did not explicitly mention Gasol, pointed directly to him.

To illustrate the magnitude of his frustration, LeBron made a curious analogy with the world of music. He compared his situation to that of Beyoncé, who, despite racking up countless Grammy Awards, took a while to win the Best Album of the Year award. However, the diva, unlike LeBron in this case, finally got it with 'Cowboy Carter'. The difference is that LeBron has not yet been able to “win” that defensive trophy.

The arrival of Marc Gasol to the Lakers in 2020, after his successful stints in the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, offered LeBron a unique opportunity to settle accounts, even if it was in a joking tone. “Marc has my trophy for Best Defender of the Year at his house, but that's not here or there,” commented 'The King' with a laugh, praising the center while, with a wink, he remembered the award that he felt belonged to him.

But, as they say, between jokes and truth, the truth emerges. LeBron James' resentment for not having won that award is a constant. While Beyoncé has won the most coveted Grammy, LeBron continues to lack recognition for his defensive work, a void that, according to him, has a direct culprit: Marc Gasol. Do you share 'The King's' opinion on this particular “injustice” of the NBA?

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Marc Gasol win the Best Defender of the Year award?
Marc Gasol won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2012-2013 season.
Why does LeBron James consider the award a “theft”?
LeBron James feels he deserved the award more that season and regrets that the winner (Gasol) was not on the defensive first team, which he considers illogical.
Did LeBron James and Marc Gasol share a team?
Yes, LeBron James and Marc Gasol were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020-2021 season.
Has LeBron James mentioned this situation recently?
Yes, LeBron James spoke about this topic in 2024 on 'The Shop' podcast.
What other award is compared in LeBron's anecdote?
LeBron James compares his situation to that of Beyoncé, who took a while to win the Grammy for Best Album of the Year.
What is the only thing that LeBron James is missing from his NBA record according to him?
According to LeBron James, the Best Defender of the Year award is the only major award he is missing in his NBA career.
Where is Marc Gasol currently playing?
Marc Gasol is not playing professionally, but he is the president of Bàsquet Girona.