LeBron James in the thick of MVP consideration
Cavs star has ignited team but lags in race
LeBron James has the unofficial title of “best basketball player in the world.”
Yet it’s likely— though not guaranteed— the best basketball player in the world will not win the NBA MVP Award for the second consecutive season. Having that informal title doesn’t guarantee anything.
James is having an MVP- type season — 25.9 points, 7.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds per game and shooting 49.2% from the field — and the Cleveland Cavaliers are headed for their first 50- win season since 2009- 10, which was James’ last season in his first go- around with them.
But he’s not the leading candidate for MVP. Houston Rockets guard James Harden and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry lead a deep field, and James, Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers have ensured no one runs away with the award.
James is doing his best to make it close. Since Jan. 13, the Cavs own the highest
winning percentage in the NBA and the best offensive efficiency ( 112.1 points per 100 possessions) and have the secondhighest net efficiency rating, according to NBA. com.
On Sunday, when James took over to lead Cleveland to an 18- point win against the Milwaukee Bucks, Bucks coach Jason Kidd explained the Cavs’ success and said, “That’s why he’s the best player in the league.”
James has been a tour de force as the Cavaliers climbed the standings and turned into a legit contender to win the Eastern Conference championship.
“I feel really good with how I am with my body,” said James. “I understand going out and taking pressure off my teammates is what it’s all about.”
Cleveland’s surge coincides with its acquisitions of J. R. Smith, Timofey Mozgov and Iman Shumpert and James’ return to the lineup after a two- week absence in early January to rest an ailing back and knee.
James refuses to get dragged into the MVP discussion. If he campaigns, it’s not a good look. If he endorses another player — as he did the season Derrick Rose was named MVP — it’s an invitation to vote for someone else.
Besides, Kidd said, James is focused on a bigger prize: winning an NBA championship.
“When you look at the elite players in this league,” Kidd said, “the only thing they’re concerned about is wins to keep it real simple.”
His play is making his case, but he’s battling several fronts that likely will prevent him from winning his fifth MVP.
Let’s start with Harden and Curry. They have had fantastic seasons and have been front- runners for a while. Curry, who plays for the league’s best team, has been sensational, and Harden has steamrolled, scored, passed and rebounded his way to the best season of his career.
Westbrook’s triple- double spree, Davis’ emergence and Paul’s taken- forgranted excellence will earn votes.