NBA MVP race 2019-20: Top 5 favorites for the award right now

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo will be hoping to retain his MVP crown

Giannis Antetokounmpo became one of the youngest MVP winners in history thanks to his performances for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, and many experts have tipped the 24-year-old as the leading contender to win the award again this year.

However, winning back-to-back MVP titles remains incredibly difficult, and after James Harden missed out last season, Antetokounmpo may have to better the 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists he managed during the 18-19 campaign.

That will be no easy task, as the Milwaukee Bucks also face increased competition in the East following a number of key offseason departures. Admittedly, Giannis has raised his game during the opening weeks of the season, with his improved ball-handling skills and three-point accuracy earning plenty of plaudits.

Ultimately, Antetokounmpo is firmly in the MVP picture, although he is not the runaway candidate that some believe he is.

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#1 LeBron James

LeBron James has defied his doubters during the opening weeks of the season

LeBron James has won four MVP awards throughout his incredible career, although the consensus is that he should have won the award at least five or six times. James' incredibly high-standards have worked against him, although with the superstar quickly approaching 35, it is becoming more and more difficult to ignore his sustained level of performance.

At this stage of the season, James is averaging an impressive 26.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game - and his work on the defensive end has been reminiscent of his time with the Heat.

For the first time in three years, he also appears set to finish on a team that will post one of the best records in the NBA - something that goes a long way in deciding who wins the MVP award. Time is ticking for James to win a fifth MVP award, and the 2019-20 season is his best opportunity.