In life we all have certain wants and needs. I need a car to get to work. I want a Ferrari. Needs are usually things that allow us to survive. We need food, clothing, and shelter. The things we want are often superficial and merely items to make ourselves feel good.
I’ve concluded after watching the NBA playoffs this year, LeBron James is going to win a championship this year, primarily because he NEEDS to. This is what separates LeBron James right now from everyone else in this NBA Finals, his NEED to win a championship. Sure everyone on the Thunder and Heat WANT to win a championship, but only LeBron needs to win it this year. His legacy is on the line. I know that sounds very cliché-ish but its reality. LeBron risks entering Buffalo Bills territory, as he would be 0 for 3 in championship moments. That’s not exactly worth mentioning on your resume. No other player in sports has as much pressure to win a title as LeBron James. If you can think of one….I’ll wait…….
Throughout this years playoffs, every time the Miami Heat fell behind in a playoff series, LeBron James felt the weight of the world on his shoulders and delivered with a big (dare I say clutch) performance. Now we can split hairs on what’s considered clutch: is it having an overall big stat line or is it delivering in the 4th quarter in a tight game? Certainly LeBron is more notorious for the big stat line. Unfortunately for him, he will always and only be judged by his 4th quarter performance. Sadly, he has yet to win over those critics. Even though Lebron helped his team steal home court advantage from the Thunder, the media and fans will inevitably compare his 4th quarter stat line to Kevin Durant’s (Full disclosure – I’m guilty of this).
Let’s face it – if Kevin Durant comes up short in his first trip to the Finals, we all believe he’ll have future opportunities to get a ring. His team is too young and talented to not get back to the Finals. Conversely, with LeBron James you just never know. Who knows what happens to the Miami Heat if they fall short. Perhaps his supporting cast is completely retooled with a new coach and a new philosophy. There are no guarantees that the right mix of players will be put around him ever again (seeCleveland).
I certainly don’t want to deal with another off-season talking about LeBron’s shortcomings. This vicious cycle would start all over again when the new 2012-13 season kicks off. I’m tired of the debate. Besides, this fall we will all be knee deep in Sanchez/Tebow chatter. The LeBron topic needs to be put to rest in the next 10 days.
I WANT to be able to show up for work in a week and no longer debate if LeBron James is going to win a title. For that to happen, LeBron James NEEDS to show up for work and get it done.