M.V.P(lease)

Today the NBA will announce that LeBron James will again be the MVP of the league for a third time in the last 4 years.  He will be joining elite company of players to win three MVP awards like Jordan, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Moses, Russell, and Wilt.  A great accomplishment for a super talented player and physically gifted athlete. 

Looking closer there is the one thing he doesn't have these other Hall of Famers do have.

The Ring!

LeBron has been a monster this season even though the year was in jeopardy with the risk of a total lockout.  He didn't sit on his couch eating bon bons and playing video games.  He prepared himself during the off season and during the lockout to remain in top physical shape.  He is a man on a mission.  He has succeeded to this point and should get all the praise that comes with being the MVP.  Give him a news conference and surround him with love and affection today. 

Then when the day is over...FORGET IT! 

Because the regular season means absolutely nothing. 

The regular season MVP means absolutely nothing. 

We are in the Post Season now and nobody cares what he did in the regular season.  It is time to win a championship. 

Lebron winning MVP's in the regular season is quite similar to his accomplishments in the post season.  He is great in the beginning but can't close in the end.  He has many times looked to facilitate offense rather than BE the offense in late game situations.  He needs to take a page out of the selection of HOF players he now joins and be a killer in the end. 

Even his own teammate D-Wade has the killer instinct. 

This for me is what separates him from being considered one of the all-time greats. 

Even Robert Horry was called "Big Shot Rob" because he wanted the ball in crunch time and took the shot with success.  He wasn't a supreme player but he had the "it factor" when it counted.  It is something you are born with.  It seems LeBron's mental make-up is lacking in this regard. 

Too many times he has passed off to lesser players.  If you want to be the man you have to be willing to take responsibility for the win or loss.  You CAN'T pass it off to a role player. 

If LeBron has truly changed his mindset and wants to be champion then he needs to show it this season.  He has a chance this year to better last years run to the Finals. 

D-Rose and the Bulls are out of the picture.  As much as Kevin Garnett doesn't want to admit it the Celtics are old.  And the Pacers are young and inexperienced.  This is a road paved with gold straight to the Finals. 

Whoever the Heat play in the Finals will be a great test.  The West is deep with talented teams and players.  But LeBron has made it to the Finals two times already in his career.  The third time HAS to be the charm. 

His accomplishments and talents are unquestioned but nobody remembers or even cares about the regular season.

He brought his talents to South Beach for one reason.

And it don't mean a thing if you don't get that ring.