USA - What LeBron wants

Miami (NBA/Olympics) – After playing at an incredibly high level all season long, the Miami Heat are closing in on the franchise's second NBA title following a 104-98 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.

The result put Miami up 3-1 in the best-of-seven 2012 NBA Finals.

Beaten by the Dallas Mavericks in last year's championship series, the Heat are very much intent on erasing that disappointment.

Led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh - all members of the USA's preliminary squad for the London Olympics – Miami have played under an intense spotlight ever since the “Chosen One” arrived in South Beach in 2010.

The addition of James and Bosh to a team that already featured Wade - who led the Floridian franchise to its first-ever title in 2006 - instantly turned them into a legitimate contender to win the title every year.

Playing in the NBA Finals means a lot to the former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar who entered the league in 2003. Considered one of the best players of all time, the three-time Most Valuable Player is still chasing his first NBA title.

James and the Cavs were swept in the 2007 Finals by the San Antonio Spurs and he suffered defeat at the hands of the Dirk Nowitzki-led Mavs last year.

The 27-year-old is now trying to make sure that third time is a charm. Following Tuesday night's win, he is as close as he has ever been to getting his hands on the Larry O'Brien trophy, which is given to the NBA champions.

James’ season will extend beyond the NBA Finals as he is a good bet to be one of the leaders of Team USA in the London Olympics.

After winning a bronze medal in Athens in 2004 and then helping the USA get back on the top step of the podium in Beijing four years later, James will most likely participate in his third Olympics next summer.

FIBA.com caught up with James to talk about his incredible season and his Olympic experience.

FIBA: LeBron, how does it feel to be one win away from winning your first NBA title?
James: The series is not over yet. Even if we are one win away from winning the championship, we need to keep staying focused. We had an incredible regular season, but the most important thing will be to win the ring. It’s our only goal and we’ll give anything to reach it.

FIBA: Individually, you had an incredible season. You were named the Most Valuable Player for the third time in your career.
James: I just try to do my best when I’m on the court. I’m a hard worker and I’ve always wanted to be the best player I can be. Since I was a young kid, I’ve been trying to learn everything about the game of basketball to be a complete player. I’m very proud to have won this third MVP trophy and I’m very grateful to my teammates who helped me winning it.

FIBA: This summer, you will have the opportunity to participate in your third Olympics. What are your expectations for London?
James: The Olympics are not on my mind yet, but it would be an honour for me to be on Team USA in London. Playing in the Olympics is something very important and special for every athlete. It’s the most famous competition in the world. The expectations will be high. The only goal is to win the gold medal. It will be a tough tournament, but Team USA will give its best to make history and be Olympic champions.

FIBA: You were on the team that won the bronze medal in Athens in 2004. What do you remember from it?
James: It was a very interesting experience. I have a lot of good memories from it. I was just 19 years old and it was my first international competition where I got to participate with Team USA. It was disappointing for us to have won just the bronze medal, but it was a very interesting experience to have. I enjoyed being with my teammates and representing my country in this competition.

FIBA: You had the opportunity to vindicate yourself four years later in Beijing by leading the team to the gold medal.
James: It’s one of the best moments of my career so far. We had a fantastic tournament and everyone played at their highest level to help the team reach the title. Winning an Olympic gold medal is unbelievable.

FIBA