Oct 7, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) works under the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
5. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Until the man either retires, gets hurt or his game decreases dramatically, LeBron James will always be in the MVP conversation. His body of work speaks for itself, and we are entering a stage where his greatness is now being taken for granted. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant are the perfect examples of it, as each are recipients of winning MVP once. It’s mind-boggling when you think about.
King James Gospel
Last season, James averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds per night and wasn’t taken as a serious candidate during 2014-15. It could’ve been because the team started slow or that he took a two-week sabbatical, but either way expect him to have a serious shot at becoming a five-time recipient.
The Cavs will struggle, possibly, as key parts such as Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert are recovering from injury, and James is actually having health problems (back).
If James can average his typical 25-7-7 season and lead the Cavaliers to a 60-win season, him winning MVP will be very likely.
Next: No. 4