LeBron James is vying for his 5th MVP, facing stiff competition from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Magic Johnson believes James deserves it.
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Magic Johnson is regarded as the greatest point guard to ever play the game. So, when the former Lakers’ GM speaks, his words carry weight behind it. The 5-time NBA champion has backed his current Lakers stars to win the MVP award and Defensive Player of the Year award this season.
Magic picks LeBron James and Davis over Giannis
Lakers’ stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis will go up against reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for both the awards. The NBA’s decision to not consider the remaining league games for the awards will prove detrimental to LeBron who is in the running to win the 5th MVP award of his illustrious career.
Magic though seems convinced that the 3-time NBA champion has done enough to topple the reigning MVP this year. Surprisingly, LeBron has also pulled on defensive duties for the Lakers this season. Magic also believes that the superstar’s leadership skills sets him apart from Giannis.
There of course is some bias in Magic’s thought process, as Giannis has overall had a better season than LeBron. The Lakers star’s only chance of claiming the trophy would have been if the seeding games in the Bubble would have been taken into contention too.
LeBron would have had to perform out of his skin in the remaining games, but at least he would have given himself a better chance.
The entire league is in a fix about rating LeBron this season. Although the superstar is one of the best players in the league at the age of 35, his younger challenger still seems a step ahead of him in the race.
LeBron’s back-to-back classics against Bucks and Clippers before the lockdown reminded everyone about his greatness. LeBron has led the league in assists this year whereas Giannis leads LeBron in almost all other categories. Giannis’ Bucks also have a better record than LeBron’s Lakers this season.
Moreover, Giannis’ individual stats are also better than LeBron’s.
Also Read: LeBron James MVP 2019/20 NBA season: Lakers star explains why he should win the award
Meanwhile. LeBron’s teammate Davis has a better chance to win the DPOY award this season. While the Bucks’ defense has centered around Giannis this season, Davis has pulled his team out of danger several times over the season. The DPOY award might be a close call this season. Giannis or Davis will feel unfortunate if either of them will miss out on the award this season.
Giannis is chasing history this season. Only two players in the history of the league have won both the awards in the same season.But Magic has backed Davis to win the DPOY award this season.
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo or James Harden: Who will win the league MVP this season?
Magic makes his predictions for the other awards
The most obvious award for the year is the ‘Rookie of the Year’. With Zion missing a major part of his rookie season, Ja Morant has been the unanimous choice for the award. Seemingly, Magic also agrees with the rest of the critics on this award.
Magic picked former Lakers star Brandon Ingram to win the ‘Most Improved Player of the Year’ award. Brandon has been a revelation for the Pelicans this year and also made his first all-star appearance this season.
While the jury seems to be divided on the ‘Coach of the Year’ award winner, Magic has backed Grizzlies’ coach Taylor Jenkins to win the award this season. Taylor Jenkins could became the first rookie coach since Steve Kerr (2014-15) to win the award.
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