Many are asking how Lebron James could choke in the NBA finals against the Dallas Mavericks? There are examples everywhere over the years of athletes that are amazingly athletic have tons of natural talent and drive, but who are missing something. They are missing the ability to ‘pull one out of the bag’ when it really matters, to come through under pressure and take it up a notch when it is really needed! Some would say “They Choke” ”

Speculation ranging from poor coaching through the years to the need to sharpen skills has been circulating with fervor the past few days. However, is it something that is not visible? Could it have to do with mental toughness, is it really all in his head?

The player who has had expectations placed upon him and coaches, drafting agents. the media and PR people fawn over him since he was a young high school player has seemingly missed one integral part of his training; how to deal with the pressure of monumental expectations. The expectations were so high that in 2003, Lebron James’ mother, Gloria James, was approved for a loan to buy a Hummer H2 for her son’s 18th birthday. How did this happen? The bank was willing to take her son’s future earning power as a NBA basketball player into consideration.

It has been apparent at many different times throughout his career that mental toughness has been a struggle for James. In 2003, during an interview leading up to the release of his book “Shooting Stars”, James admitted that the stress of constant media was a challenge for him during high school and to aid in coping with that stress he turned to smoking marijuana. Self-medicating behavior is a common trait in those who face challenges to do with mental toughness.

Could it be that the issue that has been plaguing Lebron James all these years is the absence of learning how to be mentally tough? A skill that has to be learned, that does not simply magically appear. Maybe the coach he most desperately needs is a good sport psychology expert to help build up James’ mental toughness.