LeBron would very much like to win a third MVP. (Getty Images)

LeBron James is a student of NBA history. He knows what makes an all-time great. He knows what it takes to have your name mentioned with Larry, Michael, Magic or Russell.

Obviously championship rings is the first qualifier, but LeBron is close to pulling in another accolade that would separate his name from a lot of others -- a third MVP.

With a week to go in the season, LeBron appears to have separated from the pack as the leading contender for the NBA's most prestigious individual award. It's essentially down to him and Thunder forward Kevin Durant, and while the gap isn't wide enough to call the race over, LeBron certainly has an edge.

What would it mean to LeBron to win another MVP? A whole lot, he says. Via ESPN.com:

"It would mean a lot, honestly, it would mean a lot," James said. "If I'm able to win it this year it would be very humbling knowing the caliber of guys who have won it three times."

"I remember me being a little, scrawny guy from Akron, Ohio, and watching so many greats either watching live or watching games, knowing and loving the history of the game and seeing the guys who have paved the way for myself. I've always respected that. I've always respected the talent that came before me."

As always becomes the case with anything LeBron does, I'm sure some will use these comments against him. As much as any athlete in the world, he lives in a damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don't cage. But I find it refreshing LeBron said he wants the award. Because that's the truth. Players may play the humble card talking about team wins and that stuff, but an MVP is an incredible achievement. Especially a third one.

Only eight players in NBA history have won three or more MVPs -- Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone and Bill Russell. A key separation however, is that all eight of those have a championship ring to their name. LeBron, of course, does not. Yet.

Durant, who again is LeBron's main MVP competition, recently said he'd love to win the award, but doesn't see it happening.

“I mean, I can’t worry about that, man,” Durant said. “If you worry about that type of stuff, that’s when you take your focus off the game, and start doing stuff you don’t want to do on the floor.”

Durant said it was “a blessing to be in that same conversation with such great players.”

“Of course, I’d love to win it,” Durant said. “But it really doesn’t matter to me right now.”

Both Durant and LeBron clearly have their eyes on a championship before anything individual. Because ultimately, that's what you're defined for. Kobe Bryant only has one MVP, but five rings and therefore is known as one of the greatest players Ever. Same goes for Shaquille O'Neal who has one MVP and four titles. 

But LeBron recognizes the significance of winning a third MVP, especially since he's tried to get back to his old ways of enjoying the game while winning back some of the people that despised him following "The Decision."

"It would be gratifying to know that just one year removed from what I came from," James said.

"I'm just back to playing the way I play the game, with a lot of fun and a lot of joy and just not proving anything to anyone. Last year I felt I had to prove something to people. I have no idea why. But I got to that point and it took me away from why I love the game so much and I why I love the NBA. I got away from that. This year I got back to my seven years in Cleveland, my four years in high school and when I first picked up a basketball at age nine. That's why I'm more excited about where I'm at today."

Either way, it's obvious LeBron has restored some of the good feelings fans and media had about him before his move to Miami. His talent and ability is impossible to ignore. MVPs are often handed out based more on narrative and story rather than impact and statistics. With Durant kind of having the better hook as the up-and-coming new kid, he has the narrative edge on LeBron who is still seen in some circles as the bad guy that ditched his hometown. So the fact LeBron might win the award despite that should tell you exactly the kind of season he's having.