2. LeBron James
It’s been seven seasons since LeBron James was last crowned as MVP, and yet aged 34, it seems increasingly possible that he could add a fifth win in that category to his collection this season.
The Lakers have been on a roll to start the season, with James and Anthony Davis meshing seamlessly, and an idiosyncratic supporting cast all working off of the same hymn sheet so far.
A lot has gone into the 11-2 record that currently has the Lakers pacing the NBA, and yet none of it would have been possible without James. LeBron is embracing winning above all else, and doing exactly what his team needs him to in order to be successful.
Through 13 games, that has equated to James driving the Lakers with his playmaking, as he currently leads the entire NBA in assists per game. Averages of 25 points, 11.2 assists, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game exemplify James’ contributions across the floor, and set up what will be a truly fascinating MVP race to watch unfold as the year progresses.
James seems determined to make a point that he hasn’t gone anywhere and remains the game’s best. If he can deliver on that over the course of 82 games, that narrative will surely prove irresistible for many too.
Still, that remains a question. Will James’ body hold up at this rate for the entire season at this point in his career? Do the Lakers even want James to spend the regular season pushing at a rate that could earn him an MVP but hurt their title chances down the line? Only time will tell.