NBA: Does the East or West have more star power now?

Final Conclusion

LeBron James has been the best player in the league for a decade, and as the reigning champion he has not relinquished his throne. He used to rule the Eastern Conference, but two years ago he moved West. At that point in time, it was an overwhelming victory for the West in the star power arms race.

Since then, things have begun to swing the other way. The former Young Thunder team, all MVP winners, have all moved East: Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook. Jimmy Butler returned to the East. Pascal Siakam, Jayson Tatum, Ben Simmons and Bam Adebayo have all developed into players who can affect the title picture.

The league’s proven elite players are primarily in the West, the players who have led a team to a title. LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry. Only Kevin Durant can really claim that on the Eastern side of the bracket.

The East’s only true advantage is in recent MVP winners, with four of the past five winners. Yet weigh total MVP awards, and LeBron James’ four trophies plus Stephen Curry’s two equal the six on the Eastern side.

Our conclusion here is that, for the first time since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were leading the Chicago Bulls to championships, the Eastern Conference can lay a reasonable claim to having as much star power as the West. If players such as Tatum, Adebayo and Trae Young continue their development the scales could be tilted in the East’s favor.

The two sides are very close to equal. Yet if forced to pick a side, the Western Conference still holds the slight edge in star power, born out by James and Davis leading the Lakers in their title defense. Check back after the next disgruntled star is traded East.