They say it is the heart of a champion that makes the trophy bearer what he is. One who is to make history must possess qualities of humbleness, while being admirable and genuine.
Well, LeBron is genuine, that's for sure, but not necessarily in a good way; sorry for stating the obvious. As Clevelanders, we are already aware of James' true narcissistic character, and the whole world was notified during his nationally televised egotistical montage. LeBron's arrogance reared its ugly head in the final two minutes of Game Six of the Finals. With his Heat down by nine, LeBron started shooting random three point shots with two or more defenders in his face, rather than passing the ball to open teammates. That takes not only huge guts, but a heavy swagger to do. This was LeBron at his best; ball hogging his way to a disgraceful defeat. There are certain qualities a winner must display that LeBron either possesses and fails to show, or does not possess at all.
Until he changes his ways, it will be difficult for the King to win a ring seven or more times. He may get one or two based on pure athletic aptitude alone, but trying to outdo the reigning empires of the 90's Chicago Bulls, the 80's Lakers, and the 60's Celtics may not have been a realistic goal to begin with. Though the NBA society has forever been a home for dynastic entities, we may not see another great stretch like that of any of those teams again.
In order to be a winner, one must act like a winner, and LeBron clearly doesn't do that. Obviously, the King bows to no one, but modeling his actions after the NBA Finals winners of the past might not be a bad idea. A prime example would be on the opposing side in the Dallas Maveriks' Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitski. Kidd's conduct is crystal clear and he sets a good example for the rest of the team. That is why he was a key component to the Mavs late post season run; he never gets emotionally rattled, and always keeps a clean head. Dirk is the same way. Not once has he mentally taken himself out of a game, and has maintained his stability and bona-fide focus throughout.
The San Antonio Spur's Tim Duncan is another great example. He exists in the post and among the NBA's greatest without over-exaggerated self-esteem. That same level of serenity rubbed off on Tony Parker, Manu Gionobli, and other contributors. Some of LeBron's cockiness may have done the same on Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, because both went about their basketball business in a relatively quiet manner, then "The Decision" happened.
Another great attribute about the Spur's superstar is that he lets his coach actually coach the team, which helps everyone out. A dazzling and unique personality feature such as that of Duncan's is what sets the men of the NBA apart from boys, and what LeBron needs. In terms of talent, he is right up top with the all time greats, but title winners are more than just gifted athletes; their fans have an admiration for their on and off the court character. James clearly does not possess that feat, and is not willing to adjust.
"I'm going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do and be happy with that." said James. Well LeBron, you've just doomed yourself and your team to a long, harsh, and potentially cruel trip in pursuit of those dreams. Good luck!