This year's race for the NBA MVP title may be whittled down to the Miami Heat's LeBron James and Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant.
The two players have showcased an incredible season with scoring, defense, and leadership. Kevin Durant has trailed the Laker's Kobe Bryant, another MVP consideration, for the league's top scoring spot. But with a few games left, the OKC Thunder jumped back on top to regain the lead.
LeBron James has consistently put up great numbers all season long and displayed improved leadership. Along with scoring he posted impressive efficiency based on his player rating. James is averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. He trails Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant in third place on the NBA top scoring leaders board this season. James defense has been spot on guarding effectively in all positions.
"It would mean a lot, honestly, it would mean a lot," James said about the MVP award. "If I'm able to win it this year it would be very humbling knowing the caliber of guys who have won it three times."
Compared with Jame's previous two MVP awards in 2009 and 2010, the one with Miami may not feel as solid. With the Cleveland Cavaliers, James led his team to two 60+ win seasons without the aid of a superstar player. Now playing alongside two superstar talents in Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, there will be arguments about James deserving an MVP.
Durant is another serious contender posting career numbers averaging 27.9 points, eight rebounds and 3.5 assists. He is the core component of the Thunder's success and his leadership is vital for a young team that is cradling one of the best records in the NBA 2012 season. But even among his success, Durant humbly admits that James deserves the MVP award.
"He deserves all the love (for MVP)," said Thunder forward Kevin Durant. "He's playing phenomenal basketball. I'm just trying to get better every single game and trying to help my team as much as I can. I'm just blessed to be in that conversation."
The Los Angeles Clippers' guard Chris Paul could also be a contender for the MVP title. Paul immediately led the lowly Clippers towards a winning year in his first season with the team. Paul is averaging 19.6 PPG, 9.1 APG, 3.5 RPG and 2.5 SPG.
But for the time being, LeBron James appears to be the leading candidate and if he does win the award, it will make him the fourth player to win MVP with different teams. The world will find out who the winner will be sometime in May.