Theres an old Twilight Zone episode that goes a little something like this.
A scientist constructs the perfect baseball player. He is so unhittable that not a single opponent can reach base against him. When other teams in the league find out that hes actually a machine and not a man, they contest the rule book and the demand the doctor install a heart. Once human, the pitcher can never strike out another batter because, with a heart, he feels sympathy.
The greatest NBA Champions have all had heart but they have also had another key overriding factor: killer instinct. Every time Larry Bird took the floor, he wanted to destroy his opponents will. Same with Magic Johnson. Magic may have killed you with kindness but that smile was just a cover. He wanted to rip your heart out.
The same can be said for all NBA champions. Isiah Thomas would stop at nothing to win. Michael Jordan might be the most competitive man to walk the planet. Kobe Bryant would not rest until he led his Lakers to a championship without his former sidekick, Shaquille ONeal. Tim Duncan might look like a nice guy but dont kid yourself. Even Dwyane Wade willed himself to an NBA Championship early in his career.
Thats what it takes in the Association. Its cutthroat. Mans game. The will to win at all costs. After seven years in the league, however, fans are dying to know: Does LeBron James have what it takes?