NBA: How history tells us who will win the 2017-18 NBA MVP

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the 2017 NBA Western Conference Finals at AT&T Center on May 22, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

5. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s been a decade since the King finished outside of the top four. Why would it happen next year, with the best player on the planet in full F.U. mode following the inevitable departure of the man who was supposed to carry the torch upon LeBron’s exit?

For starters, the man is smart. He may be angry, but he’s too wise to let that translate into draining the tank for meaningless regular season wins. He played 76 games two years ago, 74 last year, and is a safe bet to decrease that number once again.

Last season, when James led the league in minutes, it felt a bit like his quest for one final individual accolade. He still finished fourth. He’ll be smart enough to scale it back and save even more energy for his last Finals run in the burgundy and gold.

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