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It will take a miracle. Oh wait, the Los Angeles Lakers have J.R. Smith now, nevermind. What will it take for LeBron James to win NBA MVP? Half the NBA testing positive for Covid-19 before or during the restart would help. Thinning out the competition first so that James can easily average 40-15-15 through eight games.
One of those players, unfortunately, would have to be Giannis Antetokounmpo. Plus, we can expect Smith to cut into James’ offensive touches big time. No Anthony Davis either. That would pad the rebounding numbers and create the “James is carrying this team to the playoffs” narrative again.
Joking aside, there’s really no scenario in which LeBron can win MVP this season. This hasn’t stopped bettors on DraftKings Sportsbook from placing long-shot bets on James to win MVP at +1000. With only eight games left and the standings at the top of the League pretty much decided, chances are Giannis will run away with MVP voting.
The Bucks would have to tank in those eight games and James would have to lead the Lakers to an 8-0 finish, claiming the No. 1 overall seed in the NBA. The Greek Freak would need to look like a completely different player, a player who wasn’t averaging close to 30 points, 15 rebounds and six assists per game with a 31.71 PER through 57 games in 2019-20. I mean it’s not like Giannis is still -5000 to win MVP or anything ...
So we’ll let the LeBron truthers continue to argue in favor of him winning MVP this season. It’s nothing against James really, he’s having an amazing season alongside perhaps the best big man not named Giannis — Anthony Davis.
Honestly, if I want to take a long shot on any of these guys listed — gimme Damian Lillard to averaging over 40 points per game in Orlando. Dame has already pointed out he’s concerned players won’t follow guidelines in the bubble. If that’s the case, and Dame just sits in his Beat Lab all day, every day, he could be the last superstar standing by July 30. I’d rather have Dame at +15000 than LeBron at +5000.
NBA MVP 2020 Betting Splits
| Player | Odds | Handle % | Bet % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Odds | Handle % | Bet % |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | -5000 | 41% | 12% |
| LeBron James | +1000 | 31% | 29% |
| Luka Doncic | +10000 | 7% | 11% |
| Anthony Davis | +10000 | 3% | 5% |
| Damian Lillard | +15000 | 3% | 6% |
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