LeBron James is always giving credit where credit is due but now he turned the arrow in a different direction, towards himself. He was asked who was MVP and he gave his opinion on other top candidates such as James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis, but he calmly said:
"I would vote for me," James told The Associated Press. "The body of work, how I'm doing it, what's been happening with our team all year long, how we've got so many injuries and things of that nature, guys in and out, to be able to still keep this thing afloat, I definitely would vote me."
Now in his 15th season, James is having arguably the best season of his career averaging 27.4 ppg, 9.1 apg and 8.6 rpg. Those numbers are worthy of consideration for MVP but you have to keep in mind what the other candidates have overcome.
Russell Westbrook is picking up where he left off last season and he's had to do it with two new superstar's on his team. He is nearly averaging a triple-double again and has OKC in the thick of the playoff race at 44-31 with the #4 seed in the western conference.
Anthony Davis lost his running mate DeMarcus Cousins right before the all-star break and has carried the Pelicans in his shoulders. Since Cousins went down he's been a force to reckoned with averaging 32 points and 13 rebounds a game, driving them up to the 5th seed in the West.
No other player is touching James Harden, who should be unanimous MVP. Harden has adjusted well to Chris Paul a his backcourt mate, it has actually made him stronger, giving him more chances on the perimeter and scoring in the lane. The Rockets are having a record season with 61 wins and currently own the NBA's record, something that could drive them to their first title since winning back to back during the '93-'94, '94-'95 seasons.
Even though James has carried the Cavs through injuries and trades, it's no way possible he passes Harden. He is already a Hall of Fame player, so another MVP is not that important but another world championship would make his resumé stand out more. The Cavs are third in the East but have a much tougher path the Finals this year, with Boston and Toronto on to of their game.
"I've said it," James said. "Obviously, I've had some unbelievable seasons before, but I've said it: This is the best I can go, just from a complete basketball player standpoint."
If this is his best, he will have to get better talent around him.... right? The NBA playoffs will answer all of those questions, stay tuned!
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