The case for Giannis Antetokounmpo over LeBron James as NBA MVP

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers backs in on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers backs in on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Many have pointed to LeBron James as the likely 2020 NBA MVP, but Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has a better case for the award.

With the 2020 NBA season set to kick off again on July 31 after a months-long hiatus, the debate over whether Giannis Antetokounmpo or LeBron James should walk away with the league’s MVP award has become as fierce as ever.

While James has certainly played at a high level in 2020, Antetokounmpo is far more deserving of the award. Although James led the league in assists, an admittedly impressive feat at age 35, Antetokounmpo outpaced him in almost every other major category. The reigning MVP had more points, rebounds, and blocks per game in fewer minutes and with a higher field goal percentage.

Antetokounmpo also led the Bucks to a better record than the Lakers before the league went on hiatus, and his contributions on the defensive end cannot be ignored. While James has been criticized for a perceived lack of effort on defense, Antetokounmpo has established himself as one of the NBA’s best defensive players, partially due to his incredible length.

After another excellent defensive season in 2020, Antetokounmpo could very well win Defensive Player of the Year as well as MVP. It’s also arguable that he’s done more with less talent around him than James.

While Khris Middleton is a two-time All-Star, he is nowhere near the level of Anthony Davis. The Los Angeles big man has had one of his best NBA seasons in his first year with the Lakers, posting 26.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. His addition is one of the major reasons why the Lakers sit atop the Western Conference, while the same cannot be said for Milwaukee.

The Bucks lost Malcolm Brogdon in the offseason and still arguably improved, largely due to Antetokounmpo’s continued ascendance. The reigning MVP has shown a marked statistical improvement in 2020, improving in almost every statistical category and has expanded his shooting range considerably, shooting over 30% from three-point range.

With one of the league’s brightest young stars continuing to improve, it’s impossible to argue that he does not deserve to be MVP. Per Shams Charania, the NBA’s awards will be announced during the league’s playoffs, so Antetokounmpo will not have to wait long to find out if he wins the award. However, as far as statistics and team value, he is the clear choice.

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