NBA MVP 2012: Third Trophy for LeBron James Would Be Meaningless Without Ring
A third MVP would be nice, but it holds little weight because LeBron James has nothing left to prove as an individual player. He is clearly the best player on the planet, but he hasn't achieved the ultimate team goal as of yet.
He now dwells in a space where few others have ever trod. A place where MVP awards have little to no affect on his measure of greatness.
His success isn't judged by points, rebounds and assists—we all know he'll get his numbers. James' place among the greats of the game is judged by championships—or, at this point, a lack thereof.
I am a self-proclaimed LeBron James fan, who vehemently takes James' haters to task on a regular basis. But I know the time has come for him to win a ring.
Anything short of that is a failed season—even if he wins a third MVP award.
Does he deserve the award?
Of course he does.
I could argue the 2011-2012 season has been the best of his future Hall of Fame career. James scored 27 points per game, equaled his career high in rebounds per game with 7.9 and shot 53 percent from the field.
This is a small forward, ladies and gentleman, that takes 19 shots per game, making well over 50 percent of his attempts. That is as efficient as a heat pump with a lifetime warranty.
These numbers don't even speak to his defensive prowess, and how he consistently took on the most difficult defensive assignments.
Still, nothing he does individually really gets people excited anymore. His talent has raised the bar so high; what equates to gold for most players is James' petty cash.
Even the sterling play he has exhibited in the Heat's opening-round series vs. the New York Knicks isn't raising eyebrows.
James has torched New York for 25 points, 5.5 rebounds and six assists on 56 percent shooting through two games. But everyone is waiting for the NBA Finals. Will he continue his torrid pace, or fail to play up to his lofty standards?
So while LeBron will likely accept the much-deserved award, the only honor that matters for him will be a parade in South Beach.
At that point, he will be the undisputed King.
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