For weeks, NBA analysts agreed that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was the clear-cut favorite for this season's MVP Award. Now, however, The Greek Freak is facing competition for this title from the league's most prominent face, Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Though he's playing in his 17th season, James is showing no signs of regression. His average point total is down a bit in this campaign (25.7), but for the first time in his career, he's on pace to lead the league in assists. LeBron, who's currently dishing out a career-high 10.6 assists per game, has always been known as an excellent facilitator, but leading the entire NBA in this category would be a true testament to his unselfish style of play.
James claimed statement wins over the weekend, defeating the reigning MVP in Giannis on Friday, then dispatching last season's Finals MVP in Kawhi Leonard on Sunday.
LeBron was a force to be reckoned with in both games. Against the Bucks, the three-time champion recorded 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. And in Sunday's overtime win over the Clippers, James finished with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
With these two performances, James elevated his name to the top of this season's MVP discussion. Most experts are still leaning towards Giannis, but they're also acknowledging The King's approach.
An MVP needs to be crucially important to his team's success, and LeBron has been just that. In fact, the Lakers are 20-0 when James scores 30 or more points in a game. Furthermore, the Akron native has led Los Angeles to a Western Conference-best 49-13 overall record. Giannis and the Bucks are holding the league's best record at 53-12, though they have lost three straight.
With Friday's win over the Bucks, the Lakers clinched their first playoff berth since 2013, ending their longest drought in franchise history. And for his outstanding play, LeBron earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors. James averaged 29.0 points (.519 FG%), 10.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks as Los Angeles finished the week with a 3-0 record.
“I came here to put this franchise back where it needed to be,” James said following Friday's win over the Bucks, via ESPN. “The league is not what it is if the Lakers are not winning.”
King of the Week 👑 pic.twitter.com/ec3fReYlfg
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 9, 2020
Coming into the weekend, Antetokounmpo was the betting favorite for MVP, listed at -800. James, on the other hand, was a +600 longshot. However, after his weekend of success, James' odds have went up substantially.
Via USA Today and BetOnline.ag:
2019-2020 NBA Regular Season Most Valuable Player
Giannis Antetokounmpo: -160, (5/8)
LeBron James: +120, (6/5)
With just 20 games left to play in this regular season, LeBron James is making a serious case for a fifth MVP Award. If he maintains this level of play, voters will have a tough decision to make. Let's see if he's rewarded.
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