3. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
It’s not surprising LeBron James is the odds-on favorite to win MVP, per Odds Shark. He’s already miles ahead in the narrative department, taking his talents from the East to the NBA’s most prestigious franchise. People are going to catch Los Angeles Lakers fever this year, as life is injected back into the league’s preeminent organization. Adding the world’s best player will obviously be the driving force behind that one-year turnaround.
After winning 35 games, the Lakers’ improvement in the win column might be enough to make up for their (likely) inability to secure a top-three seed in the loaded Western Conference. With a cast of young players and misfit veterans, King James will draw the majority of the credit for a more competitive L.A. squad, even if the youngsters take natural steps forward.
There’s no question James will put up MVP-caliber numbers either. Last year, in his 15th NBA season, the 33-year-old averaged 27.5 points, 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game on .542/.367/.731 shooting splits. If he can avoid the kind of locker room drama that tainted his final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, there are too many positive storylines to be found here.
With that being said, as much fun as LeBron and the Lakers will be, the growing pains are bound to hinder their win total, which is the main obstacle to his MVP case. Will he really be worthy of his fifth Maurice Podoloff trophy if Los Angeles finishes with the 5- or 6-seed in the West? He’ll certainly be a top-five candidate once again, but at some point, he’ll have to take his foot off the gas to conserve energy for title runs with the Lakers.