“LeBron James heads a list of 14 MVP candidates”: Lakers legend Magic Johnson names Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry in his list of potential MVPs

Magic Johnson names a long-winding tier list of MVP candidates, including Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

We’ve had some great MVP candidates in the third of the season played thus far. The likes of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are embarking on their first true MVP campaigns. LeBron James is in the mix, as ever. Stephen Curry is almost back to his unanimous MVP form, carrying the Warriors.

Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are all having pretty good years, not to mention Luka Doncic. Once the Mavs begin climbing up the standings in the West, Doncic’s MVP campaign will receive more buzz. Overall, this is a great shooting year for most elite players in the league – mostly owing to empty arenas.

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Why Magic Johnson puts LeBron James on top of his tier list

Magic Johnson seems to be thinking on the same lines, echoing a lot of our sentiments. He posted his list of 14 MVP candidates in 2 tiers:

“The Tier 1 MVP candidates are LeBron James, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, KD, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Kawhi Leonard.”

“Tier 2 MVP candidates are Jaylen Brown, Damian Lillard, AD, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Bradley Beal.”

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Earlier, Magic had named James as his de facto MVP for the season till that point. Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, meanwhile, bagged Conference Player of the Month honors for December and January. If the Big 3 Nets manage a top 2 seed in the East, Kevin Durant will be heavily discussed in the running.