The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James would hope to turn things around this year after an utterly disappointing season. While James was in the form of his life during his 19th season, the Lakers struggled with a horrible record of 33-49. LeBron came closer to the scoring title this season. However, an ankle injury deprived him of qualification as he played only 56 games. Thus, if LA has to get back into winning ways, they will require an MVP season from their leader. James had an immaculate season as he averaged 30.3 points per game with 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists.
While the Lakers would hope for an even better season for the King, Shannon Sharpe thinks that LeBron James’ chances of winning the MVP award next season are quite slim. Sharpe has no doubts that James will have a good season. However, the NBA Insider thinks that winning the MVP award would be a tall order. Sharpe gave LeBron a three percent chance. The 53-year-old thinks that it would be quite difficult for the Lakers legend with the franchise looking for ways to win enough games and mostly young players winning the MVP in recent times.
Moreover, Sharpe pointed out that Luka Donic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikolic Jokic are not going anywhere in the near future. Other potential MVP contenders named by Sharpe were Jamal Murray, Micheal Porter, and Joel Embiid. Doncic had a solid finish to the 2021-22 season, while Giannis was named an MVP finalist and has already won two MVPs so far. Thus, Luka and Giannis are the two favorites to win the MVP award next season. While LeBron James’ chances of winning the MVP might be low, the King has shown his elite potential this season. Thus, he will have another shot at winning the MVP award.
Will LeBron Have His First MVP Of The Decade In the 2022-23 Season?
The most challenging feat for star NBA players is winning the MVP award. LeBron has won four MVPs in his NBA career. However, the 37-year-old has not won the award since 2012-13. Thus, he would look to win his first MVP in over a decade. And to do that, he will have to put up an unimaginable string of performances this year. LeBron James missed a few games during the 2021-22 season and was still considered for the MVP award and the NBA scoring title.
Moreover, if James manages to continue the form he showed last season, he would have a brilliant opportunity to secure the MVP award. King James will look to rest and build chemistry with his team to prepare for the start of the next season. While the injuries could be a concern for James next season, it is certainly possible for him to win the MVP award this season.