NBA MVP 2012: Top Honor Would Be Meaningless to LeBron James' Legacy

LeBron James is well on his way to winning his third MVP, an accolade that is well deserved. However, I want a great deal more from the sport's best player. 

It may still be a tight race for the NBA MVP, with Kevin Durant close by and Kobe Bryant still in the picture, but it remains increasingly difficult to argue against the King. 

The Miami Heat are enjoying another great season, one where they have shown flashes of being unbeatable, all the while James continues to put up gaudy numbers, averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. 

His PER of 30.74 illustrates what he commands every second he is on the floor. Well, there is another number that he may put up there that would be just as amazing, and it's three, the number of MVP awards he would have with his 2012 campaign. 

He would be just the eighth person to accomplish that feat, joining players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. 

The accolade and its importance isn't lost on James, via ESPN. 

"

It would mean a lot, honestly, it would mean a lot. If I'm able to win it this year it would be very humbling knowing the caliber of guys who have won it three times.

I remember me being a little, scrawny guy from Akron, Ohio, and watching so many greats either watching live or watching games, knowing and loving the history of the game and seeing the guys who have paved the way for myself. I've always respected that. I've always respected the talent that came before me.

"

It's a nice thought, and I love the sentiment, but what of his legacy if he does win the MVP?

The simple and blunt answer is nothing. This would change nothing in the minds of fans because the only real accolade is a team triumph in the form of an NBA championship. 

This is not to take away from the brilliance of James and what he gives on the court, but there is just one thing that is valued above all else in this sport, and any other for that matter, and that's championships. 

The reason you suit up is to win titles and lift your team to the highest of levels of competition. So far, James has failed to accomplish that one goal, and it will tarnish what should be an unblemished legacy. 

The good news is that a title may in fact be on the way, and an MVP this season could be the capper to an amazing year for James and the Heat. 

A title must be forthcoming, though, because you can't be the King without dominating the NBA landscape. 

James has it in him to be the greatest that ever played, but that extreme adulation will never remotely be touched without a few titles to go along with the myriad of MVP awards. 

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