Experts at ESPN recently gathered to take part in a series of predictions for the 2019-20 NBA season. As part of their deliberations, the analysts projected that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will finish third in the race for the 2019-20 MVP award.

Though he missed a portion of the 2018-19 regular-season campaign due to a groin injury, James still managed to rack up some impressive statistical figures. Through 55 appearances (all starts), The King turned in averages of 27.4 points on 51.0 percent shooting from the field (33.9 percent from beyond the arc), 8.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 35.2 minutes per outing.

Last season, Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo claimed the NBA's MVP award. The Greek Freak is favored once again, followed by Warriors point guard Stephen Curry at second and James at third:

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves in for the dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron James puts ‘no bag’ critics on blastZachary Draves ·
Byron Scott during the Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic on September 13, 2024.
Former Laker Byron Scott reveals Kobe Bryant’s ‘most gangster s**t’ everMiguel La Torre ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·

Via ESPN:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks: 90 points (30.3% first-place votes)

2. Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors: 63 points (27.3% first-place votes)

3. LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers: 34 points (12.1% first-place votes)

4. Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers: 33 points (15.2% first-place votes)

5. Anthony Davis | Los Angeles Lakers: 25 points (9.1% first-place votes)

6. Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets: 19 points (3% first-place votes)

7. Kawhi Leonard | LA Clippers: 16 points (3% first-place votes)

Respecting Antetokounmpo's reign as MVP is reasonable. Placing James at third, however, could light a fire of motivation. And with the acquisition of Anthony Davis in the offseason, the Lakers will undoubtedly be looking to make a push for the playoffs.