The MVP award is an accolade LeBron James hasn’t won since 2013, and while James has since been in the discussion every season, this season is different.
James is a legitimate candidate for the NBA’s 2019-20 MVP award, with his 17th season being one of the most polished of his career. He has the backing of coach Frank Vogel, too. Vogel has seen James’ impact up close in Los Angeles, along with his days as coach for the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic.
“Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James,” Vogel said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I do believe that he should be MVP this year.”
Frank Vogel: “Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James. I do believe that he should be MVP this year.” He added that he thinks Anthony Davis should win DPOY. And, given the stipulation that he can’t vote for himself, Brad Stevens is his COY.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 18, 2020
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the MVP award and the rest of the league’s awards will take into account the regular season through March 11. The eight seeding games in Orlando will not be considered.
The highest James has finished in MVP voting since 2013 was second, which he accomplished in 2018 and 2014, per Basketball Reference.
With James leading the league in assists per game, along with scoring 25-plus points a game for a 16th straight season, he is a favorite to win the award. He’s had one of the longest and most dominant primes in league history.
Still, he has Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo wrecking the league and holding the NBA’s best record. The reigning MVP, Antetokounmpo has continued to build his greatness. He has scored a career-best 29.6 points a game this season and grabbed a career-high 13.7 rebounds a game; this is his second straight season averaging a double-double. Antetokounmpo is also widely considered a contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
With the race between those two players, it’ll come down to who voters think had the best stats and most impact. Either player is deserving, with both being key for their team’s success.
The Lakers will play their first seeding game July 30 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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