LeBron James Headed For 2021 MVP Award, Says Lakers’ Coach, NBA Voters

Just as Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady continues to defy Father Time, LeBron James continues to look ageless as he dominates younger opponents. In his 18th professional season, the Los Angele Lakers’ star is arguably the best basketball player on the planet.

More than one-third of the way through the 2020-21 season, James continues to put up spectacular numbers for the league’s best team. The 36-year-old has been so impressive that his head coach believes another MVP award is forthcoming.

“That’s why he’s probably going to be this year’s MVP,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters after Los Angeles defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night. “Carrying the load offensively and quarterbacking the defense—the No. 1 defense in the league—and taking these tough assignments and making these plays down the stretch. He’s playing terrific.”

James had 25 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals in the 114-113 overtime victory over the Thunder, leading the Lakers without the injured Anthony Davis. Los Angeles extended its winning streak to six games. Each of the team’s last three wins have come in overtime.

The Lakers are a half-game behind the Utah Jazz for the NBA’s top record, doing so after the shortest offseason in American team sports’ history. After winning the 2020 NBA Finals in October, Los Angeles had less than a month and a half off before playing its first exhibition game.

James has not missed a single regular-season game. Coming off his fourth championship, the superstar is averaging 25.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Except for his assists, virtually all of James’ statistics are better than they were last season when he finished second in the MVP voting.

With +240 MVP odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, James is the clear betting favorite. Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are tied for second with +440 odds.

In polling 100 media members, ESPN found that James is the early-season MVP. He led the way with 54 first-place votes and 760 total points. Embiid finished second with 23 first-place votes and 665 points.

James ranks first in ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus. He’s had another strong defensive season for the Lakers, who are first in defensive efficiency.

James won four MVP awards from 2009 to 2013, though he hasn’t been given the honor in eight years. James has finished either second or third in the MVP voting seven times in his NBA career.