The arrival of LeBron James instantly pushed the Los Angeles Lakers back to relevance once again. Coming off his historic season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 33-year-old future Hall of Famer was voted a favorite for the MVP award this season, as well as the best small forward in the league.

John Schuhmann conducted the 17th annual NBA.com GM Survey, and here is a list of how the league's general managers cast their votes for the MVP favorites:

Who will win the 2018-19 Kia MVP?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 30%

2. Kevin Durant, Golden State –27%

3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 17%

4. James Harden, Houston – 10%

Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kyrie Irving, Boston; Kawhi Leonard, Toronto; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

Now, here is how James also beat out Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant for the Best Small Forward category:

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Who is the best small forward in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 57%

2. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 40%

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 3%

In the same survey last year, James also won the MVP predictions by a mile, garnering 50 percent of the first-place votes. But Houston Rockets superstar James Harden won the award in a fun MVP race.

Despite not winning the coveted award, LeBron put up a historic performance in his last year with the Cavs, an unbelievable achievement for a player of his age.

Now, the four-time MVP will be the engine that will drive the young Lakers team to greater heights this season.