We are entering the final few laps of the NBA MVP race with LeBron James in contention to earn the fifth MVP award of his career when the checkered flags eventually fly. Among the other superstars competing for the top step on the podium are Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden with Giannis Antetokounmpo setting the pace at the moment according to most pundits. But you can count New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry among those who believe LeBron will ultimately cross the finish line first.
While leading the league in assists (10.6) and guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference, James is averaging 25.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. If not for the 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists offered by Giannis, the MVP trophy may already be on LeBron’s mantle. But despite the monster numbers and potentially 70-plus wins that Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks could finish with, Gentry says this year’s MVP is LeBron James.
“I’m just amazed that they talk about anybody other than him for MVP,” Gentry said in reference to LeBron. “That’s what he does. Every team that he’s been to, every team that he’s gone, they have the chance to win the championship.
“So to me, I’m not sure what the definition of MVP is, but he makes everyone on his team better. And he makes it difficult for everybody playing him.”
In four games against Gentry’s Pelicans this season, LeBron is averaging 30 points, 11.3 assists and 8.3 rebounds. Next up for James and the Lakers is a potential NBA Finals preview with the Bucks on Friday when The Greek Freak and his Eastern Conference leading squad visits the Staples Center. The must-see matchup which will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN could go a long way in deciding the MVP race–even if Gentry’s decision is already made.
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