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LeBron James vs The World: How LBJ Compares To Other MVP Candidates

By Dylan Haines

Mar 9, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

LeBron James may not be front runner for MVP in an NBA season that’s been filled with statistical anomalies, but he’s deserving of the award.

Over the course of the last 14 years, LeBron James has been a prime example of excellence in his craft, both on and off the court.

He’s one of the greatest players of all-time, an incredible scorer, a jaw-dropping passer, a tenacious defender, a steadying presence in the locker room, a great role model for the younger generation, an unwavering leader of men, and a ferocious competitor. He also possesses a legendary work ethic, making him an undeniably ubiquitous and indelible presence in the fabric of NBA history.

LeBron is defying conventional wisdom once again in this, his 14th NBA season, and is having one of the best individual seasons of his illustrious career. In 63 games so far this season, LeBron is averaging 26.2 points, 8.8 assists, and 8.4 rebounds per game, the latter two of which represent career-highs for him. He’s shooting 54.3% from the field (the third highest percentage of his career) and is shooting 38.5% from three (the second highest of his career), a lethal combination which has, once again, put him in rarified air.

This level of domination is something we’ve all been long accustomed to. Looking at his numbers this season, it’s hard to imagine any other player having a semblance of a chance at besting him for the league’s top individual honor, but this isn’t just any other year. This season has been a statistical anomaly the likes of which the NBA hasn’t seen in decades.

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The MVP discussion hasn’t been this lively or seemingly wide-open in years, as early in the season there seemed to be a plethora of viable MVP candidates, but now that we’re closing in on the end of the season, that field has shrunk down to four prime candidates: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and LeBron James.

All are worthy MVP contenders and would be more than deserving of winning it, but only one can take the trophy home with them.  With that being said, let’s take this case-by-case and see if a plausible argument can be made that LeBron James should take home his fifth NBA MVP award.

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