Two days after being named the league’s Most Valuable Player, James was named to his first All-Defensive first team.
LeBron James  joined Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul and Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett on the NBA’s all-defensive first team.
“It means a lot,” said James, who finished second to Orlando’s Dwight Howard in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. “It was a big goal of mine to become a better defensive player and take on a little bit more onus on that end of the floor. It’s definitely good. It’s humbling, once again. It’s a great feat for myself. I really enjoy that side of the floor. I thank the coaches for saying that I picked up my game on that end.”
The second team consists of Tim Duncan of San Antonio, Dwyane Wade of Miami, Rajon Rondo of Boston and Shane Battier and Ron Artest of Houston. Duncan has been selected to the NBA All-Defensive team 12 consecutive seasons.
Anderson Varejao also received some votes from the coaches.