NBA MVP 2012: How Improved Leadership Will Help LeBron James Capture MVP

LeBron James has become the undisputed leader of the Miami Heat in his second season with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and whoever else is on this team.

James might not like to think of things that way—this is a team game of course.

But there's little question the torch has unofficially been passed to James. This had been Dwyane Wade's team, and he's is still the one with a ring. That doesn't mean Wade is still this team's best player or loudest voice.

That may be exactly the way Wade wants it, too. He's not playing quite as many minutes, and he's still having one of his most efficient seasons yet. One of James' greatest contributions may be affording Miami the luxury of resting Wade and saving him for the postseason.

The things LeBron is doing on the court and in the locker room are even more impressive, though.

He's having arguably his best season ever and shooting a career-high 53 percent. He's also kept the Heat afloat with Wade sidelined for 15 games this year. 

James has also made the right decision more often than not. While some detractors have chastised him for not taking clutch shots, LeBron knows that sometimes the best play is a pass.

He understands what has eluded so many pure scorers—the most valuable player isn't a one-man team.

His biggest statement may be his undeniably improved defense. There aren't many guys who can defend four positions—but LeBron does so brilliantly.

The consistently superlative effort on both ends of the floor speaks even more loudly than anything said in the huddle or between free throws. James sets a model of intensity his teammates can't help but emulate.

These intangibles have given James the inside track on this season's MVP award, and Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant can only look on in admiration.

LeBron's final test remains getting that same ring that Wade has—he'll need only do exactly what he has been doing.