LeBron James vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo: How Close Is The 2020 NBA MVP Race? Odds Vary

The 2020 NBA MVP award appears to be Giannis Antetokounmpo’s to lose, but the Milwaukee Bucks’ forward has real competition in LeBron James. What are the chances that the Los Angeles Lakers’ star will surpass last year’s winner? That’s up for debate.

It isn’t just fans and members of the media that disagree on the MVP race. Oddsmakers are far apart in regard to the gap between Antetokounmpo and James.

DraftKings Sportsbook indicates that Antetokounmpo still has a significant lead, giving the Bucks’ star -560 betting odds to win the MVP award. James is a +450 underdog.

The odds are closer at FanDuel Sportsbook, which lists Antetokounmpo as a -430 favorite. James has +350 odds.

If the odds at BetOnline are any indication, James is quickly closing in on Antetokounmpo’s lead. The online sportsbook gives James +150 MVP odds. Antetokounmpo is a slight -200 favorite.

James’ MVP candidacy has improved significantly after just one weekend. He had +1000 odds at several sportsbooks heading into matchups against the Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers. Antetokounmpo was a -2000 favorite.

The Lakers soundly defeated the two teams that are considered to be their biggest threats in a possible NBA Finals run. James outplayed Antetokounmpo and reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard in the victories.

Antetokounmpo has missed two straight games after suffering a minor knee sprain in Los Angeles. The Bucks only have one fewer loss than the Lakers in the race for the NBA’s best record.

Antetokounmpo won his first MVP award last season. He’s averaging 29.6 points, 13.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 30.9 minutes per game. Antetokounmpo leads the NBA with a 31.73 PER in 57 games.

James has been named the MVP four times. He won the award in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. The 35-year-old has six other top-three finishes.

James is averaging 25.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game. He ranks ninth with a 26.01 PER in 59 games.