LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden are vying for the league MVP this season. Here we look at who has the best chance at winning the trophy.
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The MVP race seemed a one-way street at the start of the season. Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo came charging off the blocks. But a few superstars have kept themselves in the race. James Harden continued with his absurd statistical performances. Lebron has been playing some great basketball. The 4-time MVP winner also been defensively sound in the regular season. If the voting’s would have happened in January, Giannis might actually have won the award unanimously,
But Lakers’ superstar Lebron closed down the gap before the lock-down with memorable performances against Bucks and Clippers in back-to-back games. The 3-time NBA champion has led the Lakers to the top of the western conference rankings.
Although Anthony Davis and Mavericks’ star Doncic have had brilliant seasons. the athletes to finish on the podium seems obvious at this stage.
3 – James Harden (Houston Rockets)
The Rockets’ mega star has been having another brilliant season. The ‘Beard’ is one of the greatest scorers in the league. Harden seems to have become a victim of his own statistical brilliance. The former MVP has shared the workload with Russell WestBrook this season.
The multi-time all-star averages 34.4 points and 7.4 assists per game. Harden has finished in the top-2 for three years in a row. The Rockets’ don’t have a great supporting cast and this might work in his favor as the Lakers and Bucks have a better squad.
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2- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
LeBron James has been playing some of his best basketball in his 17th year in the league. While most players retire or slow down at age 35, the ‘King’ has been one of the best players in the league.
The 3-time NBA champion was playing on a playoff level before the league was suspended. He put on a basketball clinic with some magnificent performances against Bucks and Clippers.
James seems to be rejuvenated after a long off-season as he missed the play-offs last season. The 4-time MVP winner has looked like a man on a mission. James has also played his part on the defensive end. The Lakers are currently the top seed in the west and are the favorites to win the title.
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LeBron led the league in assists this season. As we have seen in the past, having two top-5 caliber players in the same team decreases their chances to land a MVP award.
Although LeBron is still the league’s best player in playoffs, the best player in the regular season at the moment is currently plying his trade for the Bucks.
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1- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
The reigning MVP is the clear cut favorite to win the award for the second time in his career. Giannis averaged nearly 30 points, 14 rebounds and six assists after playing 30 minutes per game.
He has also led the Bucks to the top seed in the East. The Bucks are the overwhelming favorites to win the east this season and are also one of the top-3 favorites to win the championship.
The Bucks’ star has been his team’s go-to option on both ends of the player. Giannis is also a firm favorite to land the Defensive Player of the Year award. Bucks has by far the best record and net rating in the NBA and this certainly works in his favor.
While the rest of the MVP contenders have BPM(Box Plus Minus) around 7s and 8s, Giannis currently has a BPM of 11.5 . The Greek Freak finishes top-2 in almost all the crucial stats for the season.
While the likes of Davis, Lebron and Harden have had memorable seasons, the Greek Freak seems the absolute favorite to win the MVP.
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