What makes LeBron James so Great?

Sure he dunks the basketball with flair, but who doesn't? Sure his team has the best record in the league, but they had the best record last year, too. To make a long story short, LeBron James is nothing special in the NBA. He came into the league straight out of high school and won the Rookie of the Year award. But, with all of the hype surrounding him, why is he being applauded for living up to it.

Take a closer look at his rookie season. The Cleveland Cavaliers were indeed the worst team in the NBA and LeBron James did wonders for the franchise. In only one season, James led the team from a 17-65 record to a 35-47 record. The turnaround was fantastic, but the team still did not make the playoffs. Coming into the league, James was said to be the next Michael Jordan, but Jordan made the playoffs his rookie year.

LeBron James put up MVP-like numbers during his sophomore year and he led the Cavs to their first winning record in ages. Still, the team failed to make the playoffs, as their 42-40 record was not enough. It was during the 2004-2005 season that "King" James proved that he cannot handle pressure. The team sat at 30-20 before the All-Star game as they held on to the fourth playoff spot. But, he managed to lead the team to a 12-20 record for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade, drafted the same year as James, led his team to the best record in the Eastern Conference and to the Conference Finals in only his second year.

In his third season, LeBron James finally broke through and led the Cavaliers to a 50-32 record. It took him three years to make the playoffs. Initial expectations had James winning his first NBA title by 2006. While it would not be James to win a championship that year, another 2003 draftee in Dwyane Wade would do so, leading seasoned veterans to their titles. Despite all of his accomplishments, the spotlight remained on LeBron and he barely led his team out of the first round. They beat the Wizards in six games, before posting a NBA record low 61 points in their game seven loss to Detroit.

By his fourth season, the focus had shifted from LeBron James to Dwyane Wade. It was Wade with the endorsements, wins, and fans, but a serious shoulder injury cost him two seasons. Because of this James was able to lead the Cavaliers to another 50-32 season and with the Miami Heat banged up throughout the roster, his team received a free pass. They would sweep the Washington Wizards, who were without their star, Gilbert Arenas. In the second round, they faced an injured New Jersey Nets team that pushed them to six games. LeBron James was able to pull off a great comeback to defeat the Detroit Pistons, who also had an easy road to the Conference Finals.

Everyone was ready to annoint LeBron James the new Michael Jordan when he made it to the NBA Finals in his fourth year. But, James did something that Jordan never did when he left the Finals empty-handed. History tells the true basketball fans that when Michael Jordan goes to the NBA Finals, he goes home with the NBA title. History also tells true basketball fans that when LeBron James goes to the NBA Finals, James not only goes home without a ring, he also goes home without a win. That was the first time, of many, when James would crack under pressure. Throughout the season, he performed heroics in games that simply did not matter.

Despite LeBron James eliminating himself from the greatest-ever discussion, sports media still backed him and with Dwyane Wade battling injuries for a second consecutive season, big things were expected from the Cavs. With their leader, LeBron James, he managed to lead the team to a 45-37 record, five less than the previous season. In the playoffs, he led them to a six game victory over the Wizards and then a game seven loss to the Boston Celtics. That loss was said to inspire LeBron James to come into next season and win the NBA Championship. Sports media was ready for him to have it, but James did not deliver, again.

During the 2008-2009 season, LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a league-best record at 66-16. There was not a single person in the basketball world that doubted the Cavs. Even in the playoffs, James led the Cavs to sweeps over both the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks. It appeared as if LeBron had punched his ticket into the NBA Finals. They drew an Orlando Magic team that was supposed to have lost in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. But, the Magic did the impossible and stole game one and would go on to stop LeBron James in his tracks. He still managed to win the NBA Season MVP award, the one that sports media gives to their favorite.

This season, the sports media is all over LeBron James again. He is poised to win another MVP Award, but with more competition than he had in 2007, his chances of getting to the Finals are slim. His chances of getting to the NBA Finals and defeating the Jazz, Lakers, or Nuggets are even slimmer. LeBron James is a great individual talent, but he is not an effective team leader. When it comes to talent, no one can match up with him, but leadership is mixed in when dealing with a team sport. He lacks the killer instinct of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, or even Kevin Durant. Maybe one day it will come, but that day does not appear to be any time soon.