Why LeBron James Needs to Get His Mind Right to Be Real MVP

LeBron James can work on the X's and O's of the game all he wants, but if he doesn't get his head on straight, none of that will matter.

In Wednesday night's heart-breaking loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, James had the chance to win the game in regulation, but he went 2-of-4 from the free-throw line in the closing seconds.

It constantly baffles me how the most gifted basketball player on the planet continually chokes in the closing moments of games. You almost knew James wasn't going to make those simple free throws, but as a basketball fan, you hoped he would so he could soar past what has become painful to watch.

At this point, it's become clear that this is nothing but a mental thing for James. You don't dominate for an entire game and then all of a sudden collapse at the end of the game if there isn't anything going on mentally.

And don't think it's not in James' head. Today, after the embarrassing loss, James tweeted:

James is as aware as anybody that there's something that can't be explained going on with him late in games. It's almost like a David and Goliath moment. There's no way that should have happened, but it did.

James is averaging 29.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.0 steals this season while shooting a mind-boggling 57 percent from the floor. He's also changed his game for the better by driving to the hoop more. In many ways, he's become a smarter and better player.

Yet James still fails in the closing moments despite being virtually unstoppable throughout the game.

James has made his fair share of enemies throughout the years, whether it be via "The Decision" or some of the things he's said. Perhaps this doesn't help his mindset.

One thing is clear: James' head is simply not where it needs to be.

The reality is, James could be better than Michael Jordan if the light bulb ever turned on late in games.