In 2007 he was swept.
In 2011 he was not a factor.
In 2012 LeBron James will have a chance to capture his first NBA championship. We have all heard the "ring-less" jokes and read a number of the memes online.
His popularity took a tumble after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers and people did not want James to win.
Regardless of what fans continue saying about LeBron, he proved clutch in Game 6 and then helped lock up Game 7.
In general, he is playing great playoff basketball, averaging 30 points with about 10 boards a game.
The question for James is how will he perform in the Finals?
For some reason, he has not been able to perform well in the Finals. In 2007 he only averaged 23 points a game and in those four games never made half of his shots.
Then last year, James did worse, averaging just less 18 points a game in the Finals against the Mavericks. Furthermore, he scored only eight points in Game 4.
Unacceptable.
His poor performance in the Finals gave disgruntled fans joy. The sole purpose of playing for the Heat was to capture a championship but LeBron and the team fell short of that goal.
James will look to redeem himself, but will have to outplay an Oklahoma City Thunder team that has a better squad than the Heat.
There is no doubt that LeBron James is the best player in the NBA. Kobe Bryant is playing at a high level for his age, but will soon start declining. James is only 27 and yet to reach his prime.
Kevin Durant is right behind him as far as talent and will likely take the reign of the best baller in the league after James is no longer active.
James will have to do twice as much work in the Finals, now that he will have to defend Durant and the Heat will depend on him to score.
We will have to wait until Tuesday to find out how he fairs in this matchup. As the series develops, James will show how badly he wants to finally have a ring.
