One Sportsbook Still Offering LeBron James at 9-1 Odds to Win 2020 NBA MVP; Is There Value?
- One Sportsbook lists LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers at +900 to win the 2019-20 NBA MVP
- The average across leading sportsbooks shows James at +730
- He hasn’t won the award since 2012-13
Most NBA pundits are projecting big things for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019-20 NBA season.
One sportsbook does not appear to be down with that idea. At least, they aren’t down with that idea where LeBron is concerned.
The sportsbook lists King James at +900 in their 2019-20 NBA MVP odds. Across the major online sportsbooks, the chances of LeBron earning the MVP averages out to +730.
LeBron James 2019-20 NBA MVP Odds
| Prop | Odds | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| LeBron James to win NBA MVP | +900 | +650 |
*Odds taken 07/22/19.
Everybody Will Be Watching LA
The eyes of the basketball world will be fixed on Los Angeles next season. Not that LeBron requires any help to arrange for the media spotlight to zero in on him, mind you.
My My My!! What an the H-E-double ?’s was that man thinking.. ??♂️. He wasn’t is the problem. ??????? https://t.co/cCgGFl0epn
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 22, 2019
Still, it won’t hurt that offseason moves have placed 2019 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Paul George with the Los Angeles Clippers. Meanwhile, 2012 first overall NBA draft choice Anthony Davis has joined James, the 2003 #1 overall pick, in the Lakers lineup.
When LeBron and Kawhi see each other for the first time at Staples Center…?? pic.twitter.com/MJZdbGmjiC
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 22, 2019
The road to the Western Conference title may very well go through LA. If that’s indeed the case, expect the leader of the winner of this showdown to get a lot of MVP attention.
LeBron Would Make History
To garner the MVP award during the 2019-20 season, James would be required to do something no player in the history of the game has ever achieved.
This whole sequence to start the Lebron era was just INSANE. ??? pic.twitter.com/Z8SPdwVJIa
— Legendary Lakers (@goldlakerss) July 21, 2019
Six long years have passed since he was handed the MVP award with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012-13. The longest gap between MVP wins by a player in NBA history is four seasons. Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls won in 1991-92 and didn’t win again until 1995-96.
James is 34 and entering his 17th NBA season. In 1998-99, Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz was 35 and in his 14th season when he was named MVP. Jordan also won at 35 in 1997-98, his 13th NBA campaign.
LeBron James and Kyle Korver are the only two players from the 2003 NBA Draft that are still active. pic.twitter.com/swXntffNGu
— Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) July 22, 2019
A win by James with the Lakers would make him the first player to be MVP with three different teams. Previously, he won with the Cavs (2008-09, 2009-10) and the Miami Heat (2011-12, 2012-13).
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks, Lakers), Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers) and Moses Malone (Houston Rockets, 76ers) are others to be named MVP with two teams.
If Lakers Win, Who Gets Credit?
Last season, his first with the Lakers, saw James miss the playoffs. The Lakers improved their starting five by adding Davis and Boogie Cousins. If the Lakers charge up the standings, who gets the MVP nod, LeBron or Davis?
You can get +1000 on Davis to go with the +900 on James. We suggest you put a unit on each.
If either comes through, you’re laughing all the way to the bank.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
