LeBron James: Being Afraid to Fail Is Miami Heat Superstar's Biggest Weakness

"You can't be afraid to fail," said Los Angeles Lakers legend and NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West, the man who the league's logo is designed after.

It's one of the best quotes in the history of basketball because it's so true. When the game's on the line, and it's time to take a shot that will decide the outcome of a game or the season, you can't be afraid to fail or you are destined for disaster.

This is the problem with Miami Heat superstar, and now three-time NBA MVP LeBron James. He doesn't want to fail.

How can you explain James allowing Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to draw up a play in which, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Mario Chalmers was the first or second option to shoot? On the previous possession, James twice passed up the ball and watched Dwyane Wade miss a contested layup.

If LeBron didn't want to shoot the ball, why didn't he drive to the basket? His superior strength would likely help him either make a layup or get fouled.

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LeBron said Wade usually makes layup "10 out of 10 times," that he "could've attacked but didn't" on that play. Liked Wade on Hill matchup

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 16, 2012"

Did James give the ball to Wade because his free-throw shooting had been poor in the fourth quarter and he didn't want to fail at the foul line?

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LeBron is 10-of-17 (59%) at the foul line this season in the final minute of one possession games (via @ESPNStatsInfo )

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 16, 2012"

The best players in the history of the NBA demanded the ball when their coaches were drawing up a last shot to win the game.

How many times have we heard the stories of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird telling their coach to give them the ball and tell everyone to get the heck out of their way? Many times. They wanted the ball and they weren't afraid of the outcome.

LeBron doesn't want the ball in crunch time, that much is clear. If James told Spoelstra that he wanted the last shot, I would have a hard time believing that Spoelstra would refuse to give it to him. Same thing for Dwyane Wade. I think he too would allow LeBron to decide the game.

He's already a Hall of Fame player, but James won't ever come close to the discussion of being one of the best ever until he takes on the responsibility of attempting the last shot consistently and dealing with the outcome whether he fails or succeeds.

Taking the last shot and failing is going to happen no matter how good you are. Jordan, Bird and stars of today such as Kobe Bryant have all missed many potential game-winning shots in their careers, but at least they summoned the courage to decide the outcome.

The greatest NBA players relished the opportunity to win championships. Sure, they were nervous. Everyone in those opportunities is to some degree. However, they weren't afraid to fail.

If James was willing to take big shots regularly, the criticism he receives would lessen dramatically, but his refusal to even attempt the last shot on many occasions is why he is so scrutinized. Rightly so.

Many great players such as Reggie Miller never won a championship, but they were always willing to take the last shot and step up for their team.

Until James demands that he take the last shot on a consistent basis in the playoffs, he won't have the legacy he desires so much.

Follow @NicholasGoss35 Nick Goss is an NBA Columnist at Bleacher Report