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:

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·

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.