NBA: Top 10 candidates for MVP in 2017-18

3. LeBron James

It sounds odd to say this about one of the greatest players in NBA history with four MVP Awards and three titles, especially after he just averaged career-highs in both assists (8.7 per game) and rebounds (8.4 per game), but we could be entering a statement season for LeBron James.

Not only is this his last year under contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that off-court distraction converges with the emergence of a Warriors dynasty that might last half a decade. At age 32, it would’ve been easy to write off the King’s title chances before Kyrie Irving’s shocking trade request threw James’ reputation of being a great teammate under the bus.

Now, LeBron faces a 2017-18 campaign with Kevin Love starting at center, a 35-year-old Dwyane Wade likely starting at the 2 and Derrick Rose filling in for an injured Isaiah Thomas until January. These are not ideal conditions for re-signing King James next summer, especially for a poor defensive team that already ranked 22nd in defensive rating last year.

However, as we’ve known for years now, LeBron James seems to be at his very best when the deck is stacked against him. It’s simply what the all-time greats do, and even if the upcoming season ends in another second-place finish, you can never count out the best player in the NBA.

Yes, he’ll turn 33 in December. Yes, his team is hobbled, aged and can’t defend. And yes, LeBron usually coasts through the regular season to save himself for the playoffs. None of this stops us from putting King James among the top three candidates in a fairly wide open year for MVP honors.