How LeBron Surpassed His 2012 MVP Season

In an astonishing 2012 accolade-filled season, LeBron James racked up some impressive awards and recognitions: NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, All-Desfensive First Team, League MVP, NBA Champion & Finals MVP. Let's not forget about that gold medal from the Summer Olympics.

Come 2013 and fans could only hope that LeBron matches such a spectacular year. Well, he didn't match it. He surpassed it.

The numbers tell the story. Check out his 2012 stats versus his 2013 stats:

2012 Regular Season

PPG: 27.1
AST: 6.2
REB: 7.9
FG%: 53.1%
3-PT FG%: 36.2%

2013 Regular Season

PPG: 26.8
AST: 7.3
REB: 8.0
FG%: 56.5%
3-PT FG%: 40.6%

From one season to another, LeBron elevated his game to become more efficient and more complete. That is perhaps the most fitting word to describe LeBron James at this point of his career: complete. He may have taken a 0.3 dip in points per game but he also averaged one less shot attempt per game than last season.

There's little doubt that James will be named the 2013 NBA MVP. That would bump his career MVP titles up to four and give him the distinct recognition of winning the award four out of the last five years. No other player in NBA history has won that many in a five-year span.

LeBron's transcendent 2013 performance has poised Miami for another championship run. He's also helped the Heat make history by spearheading their 27-game win streak and helping the team secure a franchise-best 66 wins.

Miami was favored to win the title before the 2013 NBA season even started. Now they're even greater favorites with online sportsbooks placing them at 2-3 odds to win it all. With LeBron leading a relentless, effective and seemingly unstoppable attack on opposing teams, there's no surprise that oddsmakers are picking the Heat.

While it has been beyond entertaining to watch LeBron in the regular season, we all know that the playoffs bring another level of competition. So, although it may be difficult to imagine, we can expect LeBron to provide even more legendary performances to the NBA stage.

Folks, get comfortable because we are about to witness the epitome of playoff basketball in Miami.