LeBron James Odds-on -106 Favorite in Opening 2020 Finals MVP Odds

• LeBron James opened as the -106 favorite to win the NBA Finals MVP as the Lakers prepare to take on the Miami Heat in Game 1 on Wednesday night
• Anthony Davis is also in the running, along with the Heat’s Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo
• See the full set of opening odds for all players available and our early pick within the story below

After Miami’s Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, the stage is set for the NBA Finals. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday evening between the Heat and Lakers, after LA took down the Denver Nuggets in five games in the Western Conference Finals.

LeBron James is no stranger to the pressure of postseason basketball, having appeared in the Finals on ten separate occasions.

However, he’s lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy just three times. Regardless, the 16-time All-Star has won Finals MVP every single time his team has won it all.

The latest NBA Championship Odds are also favoring the Lakers at -365 to walk home with the title out of the bubble.

2020 NBA Finals MVP Odds

Odds taken September 28th at DraftKings

LeBron Looking for First Title With Lakers

When James convinced Anthony Davis to join him in LA at the beginning of this season, he was quick to say that 2020 was the Lakers year to finally bring a title back to the Staples Center.

Now, they’re just four games away from fulfilling that promise, and there’s no better man to be leading the way than one of the best players to ever step on the hardwood.

James has been dominant in the playoffs, averaging 26.7 points, 10.3 boards, and 8.9 assists while shooting 55% from the field and 35% from downtown. He put together his best performance of the postseason as the Lakers closed out the Nuggets in Game 5 on Saturday night, collecting 38 points, 16 rebounds, and ten assists.

For his playoff career, the 35-year old is posting just under 30 points per night. It’s safe to say he always comes up clutch at the most crucial moments.

AD Should Be Considered for Finals MVP

By no surprise, Davis has been just as important, if not more at times than James, to the Lakers success. The former Kentucky star has been the perfect addition to Frank Vogel’s team, averaging 28.8 points and 9.3 rebounds in the playoffs thus far.

He’s been a top ten player in this league for many years now and without him, LA would simply not be competing for an NBA title.

Davis had three 30+ point performances in the Western Conference Finals against Denver, and should definitely be considered a player who can possibly win the NBA Finals MVP if he continues to produce on both ends of the hardwood against Miami as the Lakers search for their 17th title.

Do Butler, Adebayo Offer Value?

Acquiring Jimmy Butler in the offseason was the best move possible for the Miami Heat as he and Bam Adebayo have led this team to their first Finals since 2014. Jimmy Buckets has been an established player in the association for many years now and his leadership and abilities on the court have propelled Miami.

He’s averaging 20.6 points, six boards, and 4.3 assists in the playoffs, which might not seem like mind-blowing numbers – but his importance to this team goes a lot deeper than his production within the lines.

He has mentored youngsters such as Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Adebayo, and Kendrick Nunn, among others, who have all played an important part in their success. Butler is the ultimate competitor and leader. You better believe he’ll be eager to win his first Larry O’Brien trophy as the Heat look to upset the Lakers.

Adebayo has enjoyed a breakout season, making his first All-Star team and becoming one of the most impactful bigs in the league.

Blessed with natural athleticism, the 23-year old was the sole reason Miami defeated the Celtics in Game 6, dropping a team-high 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. He had numerous big moments throughout the series, including a game-saving block where he swatted Jayson Tatum.

Although it may seem like a bit of a longshot that Adebayo could win Finals MVP over the likes of LeBron, AD, and Butler, he shouldn’t be counted out considering just how dominant he’s been as of late.

Best Bet

Whenever his team has won the NBA Finals, James has also captured the series MVP. The Lakers head into this matchup against Miami as the clear favorites. The King only has so many good years left and I do think he’s going to show out and lead the Lakeshow to a title, while also winning his fourth Finals MVP.

AD will absolutely play a key part, but the sheer experience on the big stage that LeBron has will shine through. I believe Butler and Adebayo are going to be brilliant for the Heat and take this series at least five or six games, but LA will come out victorious with James taking home the MVP honors.

Pick: LeBron James (-106)