NBA Finals: LeBron's Legacy vs. Dirk's Redemption

In just a few hours, the Miami Heat will square off with the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of an NBA Finals that are dripping with juicy story lines.

Sure, we may not find LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki guarding each other throughout the entirety of the series, but the narrative of these finals will be dominated by each player's pursuit of his first NBA championship.

While LeBron and Dirk are seemingly in similar positions, as both seek to exorcise the demons of past Finals and validate their Hall of Fame credentials with championship rings, I can't help but view the two super stars in differing lights

For LeBron, we've nearly come full circle since last July, when he announced on ESPN he'd be taking "his talents to South Beach." As controversial as his 'decision' may have been, he made the move from Cleveland to Miami for the sole purpose of winning rings - a handful of them.

He sacrificed money and stats, not to mention a previously squeaky clean public persona, for the chance to play with Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and win multiple titles. And here he stands, on the precipice of winning that first championship and taking a giant step toward basketball immortality.

LeBron has always been hyper-aware of how the public views him, and at no time was that more evident than during the fallout from "The Decision." No matter what LeBron or anyone else says, he cares about how people perceive him.

I'm no psychologist and I'm not tapped into The King's brain or anything, but I feel that LeBron doesn't just want to be the best, he wants to be considered the best.

The prospect of having a legacy equal to or greater than Michael Jordan tantalizes and motivates James. Surpassing Michael Jordan as the game's greatest player can only be achieved by winning five, six or how every many championships it takes and THAT is why LeBron is wearing a Miami Heat jersey.

It's as if LeBron has been fixated on championship No. 8 before he's even lifted trophy No. 1.

The Big 3 at the Heat's "victory" party
at AmericanAirlines Arena in July. 

Who knows, perhaps I'm the one who's out of touch, but I would value winning just ONE championship in Cleveland and being 'The Savior' more than winning multiple rings with the D-Wade and Co.

And that's where Dirk – the NBA's anti-LeBron – figures into all of this.

If the smooth shooting power forward can lead his Mavericks to four more wins, he will do something that LeBron didn't have the shoulders to do in Cleveland: win a ring as 'The Guy.'

Last summer Nowitzki, who has played his entire 13-year career in Dallas, had the opportunity to leave for greener pastures. Instead, the affable 7-footer stayed put in Dallas by inking a four-year, $80 deal and eyed a return to the NBA Finals.

Dirk's decision flew under the radar. It was overshadowed by the likes of LeBron and other big name free agents who chose to sign with new teams. But here Dirk stands, like Lebron, only four wins away from that elusive ring.

Sure, he's not going to win six-plus titles like LeBron aspires (and very well may), but Dirk's legacy will be that of loyalty - not to mention an indefensible fall-away jumper - if he can deliver a championship in Big D. 

Dirk, whose Mavericks blew a 2-0 series lead to the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals, knows how difficult the road to a championship can be. For that reason alone, don't think for a second Dallas' go-to-guy is worried about his own legacy or winning multiple rings.

In a recent TV interview Nowitzki told ESPN's Mark Schwartz, "I never worry about my legacy and, 'What's going to happen if he doesn't get a ring?'"

Sure, there's nothing wrong with setting your sights high, as LeBron did at the Heat's ridiculously lavish introduction party in July. But don't such lofty ambitions trivialize just how hard it is to win one championship?

And LeBron, of all people, should know that.