"If you go to Troy, no one will earn more glory than you. Men will tell stories of your victories for thousands of years. The world will remember your name."

In the 2004 film Troy, Thetis convinces her son, Achilles, that fighting in the world’s greatest war is the only way he can attain immortality. The NBA Playoffs are the basketball world’s equivalent of this epic journey for greatness. However, these modern-day warriors aren’t pursuing power or some far away kingdom; they are on a quest for championship rings. And, if they can achieve victory this time, they will carve out their own place amongst the gods.

Tim Duncan is the only remaining star with nothing to prove. Sure, winning his fifth championship would be remarkable, but it isn’t necessary. He has earned two MVP awards and three NBA Finals MVP awards. He’s arguably the premier power forward of all-time. Most importantly – to the critics at least – Duncan won two of his four titles without a certain Hall of Fame center at his side.

The same can’t be said for Kobe Bryant.

Bryant’s resume includes an MVP award and ten All-NBA selections. But he shared each of his three championship trophies with Shaquille O’Neal. When Shaq carried the Heat to the NBA promised land, O’Neal proved he could win without Kobe. So while Bryant is quite possibly the most talented basketball player on the planet, he isn’t talked about with the same reverence that hoop historians reserve for Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Oscar Robertson. Winning a championship sans O’Neal would put Bryant on par with those sacred NBA legends.

Kevin Garnett is another Viking searching for Valhalla. The former MVP was seemingly destined to be the Ernie Banks of the NBA. That’s because, despite 11 All-Star selections, Garnett has never been to the Finals. Playing alongside Ray Allen and Paul Pierce has obviously given KG his best opportunity at a championship. If the Celtics win it all this year, Garnett’s place in history would skyrocket.

Unlike KG, if David West has a cupboard for individual trophies, it is almost entirely bare. The 28-year old forward has just one All-Star appearance and that was as a reserve. However, the New Orleans Hornets are currently up 3-2 against the defending champion Spurs and West is a major reason why. He already has two 30-point games in the series, including a remarkable 38 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists in Game 5. West is not yet on the doorstep of immortality, but a title – combined with those dominating performances against Duncan – would undoubtedly vault him up the list of the elite players in today’s game.

West’s teammate, Chris Paul, is already considered one of the elite. In just his third season in the league, Paul finished second in the MVP voting. His career averages (18.2 points, 9.5 assists, and 2.3 steals) are eerily similar to the career numbers of Isiah Thomas (19.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 1.9 steals).

Paul's arch nemis, Deron Williams, is also setting the basketball world ablaze. Williams wasn't even the most sought after player on his high school team because former Indiana University star Bracey Wright was more heavily recruited. Williams is still fighting for the attention he deserves, only now the battle is with Paul for the distinction of top point guard in the modern era. If Paul or Williams takes home the title, their dispute will be settled.

And, of course, there's LeBron James...

Remember when Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers for the 1995-96 season as a 255-pound forward? Basketball purists were delighted to see him return and riveted over the potential of a man so big and so skilled. The on-court comeback turned out to be less than memorable because you couldn't help but spend the whole time wondering what a younger Magic would've been like at that size.

Well, we don't have to wonder anymore. LeBron is letting us know.

King James is officially listed as 6-foot-8, 250 pounds. He averaged 30.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on the season. If he isn't the league's most talented player, than he is as close as possible.

LeBron is a two-time First Team All-NBA selection and a two-time Second Team honoree, yet he won't be 24 until December. James won his first scoring title this season and MVP awards are sure to follow. He is also already one of the most popular athletes in the world, but that's not what the truly great ones covet.

The best basketball players who ever lived always strived to be the best. And, of course, they all needed titles to be thought of in that way.