LeBron James and the Psychology of a Killer Instinct

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Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks during the first quarter in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

James’ killer instinct trigger

As an observer of these games and more, it is quite evident that James’ killer instinct surfaces whenever he is backed into a corner when he is called to produce or otherwise be eliminated.

Despite the final result of the 2011 NBA Finals, regarded by many as Exhibit A that James has no killer instinct, he actually started off the final game of the series very well, mixing drives with jumpers that led to the Dallas Mavericks to call an early timeout. I’m not making excuses for LeBron and this is still clearly one of the biggest head-scratchers of any NBA legends’ career. It is still confounding to this day.

James’ greatness manifest

But let’s not define LeBron’s ability to perform in the clutch with one series no matter how high the stakes were then. Even Magic Johnson was infamously called “Tragic Johnson” before a dumbfounded audience that couldn’t figure out how poorly Johnson played in the 1984 NBA Finals versus his chief rival, the Celtics’ Larry Bird.

For some reason, James needs to be challenged to the point of desperation for his God-given drive to kick in and manifest itself and it is evident in the most tense moments, specifically, in an elimination game.

Unlike Jordan who seems to bring the killer instinct in every game, James will deliver at the most opportune times and in the direst of circumstances. Even if he doesn’t have an unblemished record during elimination games, he still performs above-and-beyond the call of duty. Perhaps borne of the fact that he’s more talented than most, he seems to cruise during certain games regardless of the heat of the spotlight.

And with a player whose pedestrian numbers are already All-Star numbers for most, James elevates his game to heights rarely reached even by the all-time greats.

More from King James Gospel

Though we wish for James to “be like Mike” with all the talent that he has, he will never be Jordan. And that’s ok. He’s still Hall-of-Fame bound and consistently gets to the Finals year in and year out because his killer instinct allows him to deliver when he needs to. Not like Jordan but just as effective.

So on the brink of Game 7 of this year’s Finals, I have no doubt that James will play exceptionally well and live up to the expectations of being a 4-time NBA MVP and 2-time NBA Finals MVP. History says so and his behavioral pattern of the past 13 years says so. Does it guarantee a win by the Cavs and a first-ever championship for Cleveland?

No it doesn’t.

But you can be sure that we will be Witnessing Greatness from the King tonight.