'King James' Rules Court Even Without a Crown

May 4, 2010— -- When you are standing next to LeBron James, it's impossible not to notice how huge he is. Sometimes, he almost seems like he belongs to another species.

"I'm kind of rare. I'm like a Tyrannosaurus Rex," he joked. "One day I forgot how to miss, and I made like a thousand shots in a row. I had to reprogram myself so that people would realize I am human still."

OK, so he's not exactly modest. But why should he be? At 25, James is a global superstar, cover boy, million-dollar salesman, gold medalist and soon-to-be leading man.

There's also his basketball career. The Cleveland Cavaliers' forward was named the NBA's most valuable player Sunday for the second year in a row.

At 6 foot, 8 inches and 250 pounds, he's larger than life. Before he had even graduated from high school, Sports Illustrated magazine dubbed James the "Chosen 1" -- a moniker he had tattooed across his back.

Now, he goes by the nickname "King James," but so far, he's a king without a crown. Seven years after James was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cavs, he's hoping this will be the season he leads his team to an NBA championship.

"Every day I go out on the court I try to be the best player on that court, absolutely," James said. "But the ultimate team concept is the NBA championship. ... I'm definitely approaching this year like it's my year."

Before Cavs games, the Jumbotron plays a video that shows a giant James looming over Cleveland -- and that's not far from the truth. He is a giant and this native son is a continuing source of pride for the economically depressed city.