LeBron James, the phenom who went from high school to the pros and kept Cleveland in playoff contention until late in the season, has beaten out Carmelo Anthony in voting for NBA Rookie of the Year.

A source with knowledge of the vote tally, speaking on condition of anonymity, said James will be presented with the award Tuesday.

James averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds, drawing 16 sellout crowds to the Cavs’ home arena and several more on the road. James’ popularity made his jersey the best seller at the NBA’s store in New York and through the league’s Web site, and he helped the Cavs improve from 17 wins to 35.

Anthony led Denver into the playoffs, averaging 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists. But James, 19, was only the third rookie in NBA history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, joining Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan.

His season-high was 41 points against New Jersey made him the youngest player in league history to reach 40 points. James scored at least 30 points 13 times.

James was the Eastern Conference’s rookie of the month in every month this season. He will become the first player in Cavs history to win the award.

Anthony, in Minneapolis for Game 1 of his team’s playoff series, released a statement through a team spokesman: “If it’s true, I’m really happy for LeBron, but I’m not real worried about the Rookie of the Year award right now. My focus is on Minnesota.”