LeBron James isn’t happy he lost MVP to Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second straight MVP this week

LeBron James finished second in voting, but the King isn’t satisfied with that. While James is all about winning his fourth Larry O’Brien Trophy, individual accolades still hold weight with him as he chases Michael Jordan’s ghost. James is 35 years old, meaning he doesn’t have many true MVP seasons left. When we look back years from now, this may have been his last, good chance to take home the most coveted individual award the Association can offer.

James is averaging over 25 points, near eight assists and 10 rebounds per contest. Most years, that’s good enough for a surefire MVP, but Giannis’ numbers this season are just as absurd. Antetokounmpo averaged nearly 30 points per contest to go with over 13 rebounds and five assists. That’s not chump change, and despite the fact that the Bucks exited the playoffs early, Antetokounmpo deserves his recognition for a regular season award.

LeBron can earn his keep the last two rounds of the postseason

James and the Lakers are the favorites to win it all now that the Bucks and Clippers have bowed out unceremoniously. The other Los Angeles team lost to the Denver Nuggets in seven games, blowing a 3-1 series lead in the process. The Lakers play that same Nuggets team in the Western Conference Finals.

LeBron’s path to the finals should not be slighted. Winning a championship in any season is tough, especially in a season that’s featured a stoppage in play and relocation to a virtual bubble. It’s unheard of, and James has navigated these waters about as well as he possibly could, dragging his team with him all the way.

MVP award or not, LeBron is etching his name in history one playoff win at a time.