LeBron James Needs to Man Up and Carry the Miami Heat with Dwyane Wade Injured

For LeBron James and the Miami Heat, the recent three-game west coast swing was one to forget. They had a chance to come home 3-0, but the fourth quarter bit them each time and instead come home winless, with a ton of questions surrounding them.

The biggest question is the health of All-Star guard Dwyane Wade, who the Heat say they are unsure of when he will return.

Wade's dealing with multiple injuries and it makes sense for Miami to be patient and get him completely healthy before allowing him to return.

In the meantime, the Heat need a leader to step up, especially in the fourth quarter.

It's time for James to man up and put this team on his back and carry them.

Especially in the fourth quarter of tight games. When it matters the most.

Very few players in sports are under a microscope as much as LeBron is. Unfortunately for him, that's just the way it is. He has critics and there is only one way to silence them.

The fourth quarter hasn't been kind to James in the past. For whatever reason, the ball doesn't seem to go down for him. Even teammate Chris Bosh would prefer him deferring to Wade in those clutch moments that James has failed to come through in time and time again.

This is an opportunity for James. Wade's injury could be a blessing in disguise for him. LeBron is a superstar. This is his chance to takeover and be a leader again.

He needs to hold down the fort for the Heat. He needs to lead this team. Especially in the fourth quarter.