NBA MVP Race: 3 Candidates And Winner's Prediction

LeBron James

The MVP award is phrased in a way that it does not say what it is not. The award is not based on a single stat line or can be boiled down to one defining factor, nor does the award mean the best player in basketball. For if that were the case, LeBron James would have won more than four MVPs in his career as he is the best player in basketball and has been nearly his whole career.

James’ MVP campaign has suffered in two ways this season. Firstly, from the ‘LeBron factor’ and secondly from the Cavaliers play. When Westbrook averaged a triple-double last season, the basketball world was amazed. When Westbrook averaged a triple-double for a second straight season, most people did not bat an eyelid. The issue with James is that he has always been great. He has played and performed like an MVP every year that he’s been in the league and however incredible that is and even if this season’s numbers are that bit better, it is not enough of a narrative to earn him the award. We expect greatness from him.

Apart from last year, the award has always gone to a player whose team has one of, if not, the best record in the league. The Cavaliers not only have ended up as the fourth seed but their narrative this year has had more twists and turns than a soap opera. From trades to tantrums to Tyronn Lue’s leave of absence, the Cavaliers have been through it all this year and it’s ended up in a record that is not top tier.

The LeBron factor means that they are no ordinary fourth seed but they will still not get home court if they go beyond the opening round. This will definitely hurt LeBron’s MVP chances, even if he has single-handedly revived the Cavs’ campaign.