LeBron James is still playing and competing at the highest level even in his 19th season. We look at his statistics and possible case for MVP inclusion. This season the Lakers have been an average team, at best. LeBron however, has been anything but average. In fact, we believe he should be in the MVP conversation.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
In 21 games this season, LeBron is averaging 26.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He is shooting 51.4% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc, and 76.6% from the free-throw line. These are numbers we have never seen from a player in their 19th season. Many athletes don’t even make it to year 19 due to injuries, but LeBron continues to defy the odds. LeBron rounded off the year by dropping 37 points on Dec. 29 before celebrating his 37th birthday. He followed that up by dropping 43 points and 14 rebounds on the Portland Trailblazers.
He averaged 37 minutes per game for the month of December in an outstanding show of durability.
“I’m in a damn good zone right now, and I just want to continue that as long as possible,”
James said after the Portland victory. “I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to help this team win”
Only Kobe Bryant has scored more points in a game after turning 37. LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to average 30 points or more in a month, eclipsing Michael Jordan. Despite missing 12 games, he has more 30 point outings (15) than any player in basketball this season.
Read Also: NBA: Why DeMar DeRozan Should Be In The MVP Discussion
New Position
James has started at the five twice since Anthony Davis’s MCL sprain. The Lakers have increasingly turned to small ball line-ups and LeBron has played nearly a third of his minutes at centre this season. The Lakers have been impressive with him on the court without AD, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan. The Lakers’ net rating with LeBron at centre is +6.0 and he is averaging his most PPG since 2009-10, in his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ironically, He won the MVP that season. He scored 30 points or more in seven straight games. That streak did however come to an end against the Timberwolves where he scored 26 points. The last time he scored 30 points or more in 7 straight games was in 2013 with Miami Heat. Nine years later, LeBron James is playing like it’s 2013 again and should be back in the MVP race.
