LeBron James is no stranger to being on the cover of Sports Illustrated. In 2002, his junior year at St. Vincent's Saint Mary high school, James graced the cover for the first time. Eleven years later, only six other athletes have been on the cover more than LeBron's 18 appearances. His 18th appearance just happens to be as the recipient of Sports Illustrated's 2012 Sportsman of the Year award. James earned this distinguished award after finishing his 2012 basketball season with an NBA Championship, NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal. Only the great Michael Jordan has been able to match this feat, essentially a perfect year of basketball. This limited edition (25) 16x20 image of LeBron James in a black suit with his 2012 NBA Championship ring is the actual blown-up cover from the December 10, 2012 Sports Illustrated release. James has signed and inscribed '2012 SI SOY' in silver paint pen. His autograph is deemed authentic by virtue of Upper Deck Authenticated's patented five-step process.