A heated race is shaping up for this season’s NBA MVP Award, with most experts giving Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo a clear leg up. However, a familiar face is making a run at Giannis: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
James, now in his 17th season of NBA service, will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to claim a fifth MVP Award. Time is running a bit short for The King, but he does have a shot.
Antetokounmpo, who won his first MVP last season, continues to prove that he is the driving force behind Milwaukee’s success. He’s led the Bucks to an impressive 52-8 overall record, and his numbers are among the best in the league.
At 29.9 points per game, Giannis is currently the third-ranked scorer in the NBA. He’s not just a proficient scorer, though. He’s also fourth in rebounds at 13.8 per contest (career-high). And furthermore, if the season ended today, Antetokounmpo would have one of the highest PER in league history.
It’s also worth noting that Antetokounmpo isn’t playing alongside another true superstar in Milwaukee, as James is with Anthony Davis in Los Angeles. This makes Giannis’ claim to the MVP award a bit stronger, but it certainly doesn’t diminish James’ importance to his team.
LeBron missed a large portion of last season due to a groin injury, but he’s managed to bounce back in a big way. The three-time champion has led the Lakers to a Western Conference-best 46-13 overall record in this campaign, and most experts are projecting a deep playoff run. In fact, some say we’ll see the Lakers in the NBA Finals.
Incredibly, James is leading the NBA in assists at 10.6 per game. The Akron native has always been known as a great facilitator, but leading the entire league in this category is a true testament to his unselfish style of play.
At 25.5 points per game, James is currently just outside of the top-ten scorers. Individually, his 6.49 plus-minus mark for the season is second in the league, behind only Giannis’ 7.87.
Both LeBron and Giannis have played well in recent games. In Sunday’s matchup against rookie phenom Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, James racked up 34 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds, marking his 13th triple-double performance of this season.
After witnessing this performance, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry noted that James should be viewed as a favorite for this season’s MVP:
“I’m just amazed that they talk about anybody other than him for MVP,” Gentry said of James. “I’m not sure what the definition of MVP is.”
Giannis may be the favorite for this season’s MVP, but James is giving him a serious run. Let’s see who claims the title once the dust settles.
LeBron James Reveals Who He Thinks Is Carrying NBA Forward
LeBron James had some kind words for those who will be the face of the league for years to come.
LeBron James has been dominating the NBA ever since he entered the league back in 2003. Coming out of high school, there were a lot of expectations thrust upon LeBron and so far, he has lived up every single one. LeBron is now 35 years old and is in his 17th season. Despite this, he has yet to slow down from a production standpoint. His Los Angeles Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference and he has a solid chance of winning the NBA title.
As his career winds down, the NBA will look for other young players to become the face of the NBA. LeBron is well-aware of this and has started mentoring some young players. Recently. LeBron spoke out about the future of the league and name-dropped young phenoms like Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Luka Doncic, and Trae Young.
All five of these players have been impressive this season. Zion and Ja are some of the best rookies we have seen in a long time all while Tatum, Doncic, and Young continue to dominate out on the court. These offensive juggernauts are the future of the league and as LeBron says, the NBA is in great hands moving forward.
We can only imagine how these players feel knowing LeBron is backing them.
