LeBron Shortens to +700 in MVP Odds After Triple-Double Filled Week

• LeBron James has notched three straight triple-doubles against the Mavericks, Bulls and Spurs
• Giannis Antetokounmpo remains +260 MVP favorite
• James’ price shortened to +700 from an average of +1200 last week

LeBron James’ three consecutive triple-doubles have seen his NBA MVP odds shorten to +700, moving him to fourth-favorite behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden and Anthony Davis.

James’ average odds fell to +1200 after the first few games of the season, including the Lakers’ opening night loss to the Clippers. The Lakers have since put together a winning streak, however, and are currently sitting at the top of the Western Conference.

Sportsbooks’ latest MVP odds have Kawhi Leonard at +750, the longest price of the five frontrunners. All-NBA centers Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid follow Leonard on the board.

2019-20 NBA MVP Odds

Odds taken Nov. 7.

Sharing With Davis

James and Davis have already shown superb on-court chemistry. Davis has posted great numbers; he’s averaging over 26 points per game and nearly 11 rebounds. James has been willing to feed his fellow All-Star, and the pick-and-roll has been as un-guardable as many expected.

Having two MVP candidates presents some issues, however. There will be nights when Davis is the focal point, and others when James is the main man. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant were a long way from winning MVP when playing together for the Golden State Warriors – the combination of two superstars can put voters off.

Both might post MVP numbers, but there’s a good chance the vote will be split if the two are viewed as serious contenders for the award. While the presence of Davis will help LeBron in many ways, it is still an obstacle to a potential fifth MVP award.

Team Success

Playing on an upper echelon playoff team is a key component to any MVP candidacy. Russell Westbrook broke that pattern a few years ago, but that was likely a freak occurrence. Traditionally, MVPs are the best player on a team that has earned homecourt advantage in the first-round. Last season, for instance, the Bucks’ domination of the Eastern Conference was a major contributing factor to Antetokounmpo’s win.

The Lakers are currently top of the West. If that’s sustained throughout the season, James’ chances of winning another MVP award will increase significantly – his odds will shorten, too.

#WashedKing ?? https://t.co/gM9mrkBvbF

— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 6, 2019

With the fiercely competitive West chasing them down, however, it’s unlikely the Lakers finish top. James will be load managed later in the year, and Davis may well miss time through injury. They’ll probably be a top four team, but it’s hard to tell if that would be enough to keep James in the MVP conversation.

Rockets Struggling

James Harden could have easily won three straight MVP awards. The Houston Rockets guard is expected to be in the mix again this year, but early signs aren’t great. Harden is in the midst of a shooting slump (hitting 27% of his threes), and the Rockets’ woeful defense (third-worst in the NBA) undermines his candidacy.

Houston’s defense gave up over 150 points to the Wizards and was blown out by the Miami Heat in the first quarter. Harden hasn’t been the only one responsible, but he’s played his part in their struggles at that end of the floor. The 2017-18 MVP ranked third in the NBA in deflections last season – he’s averaging half as many as he did last season.

Defense isn’t always at the center of MVP discussions, but unless there’s a noticeable improvement, it could rule Harden out of the running this year. Both individual and team defensive performances could harm Harden’s chances, which might see James’ chances improve if the Lakers keep up their own high defensive standards.

Giannis Simply Too Good

Antetokounmpo has picked up where he left off. If anything, the Greek Freak has improved. His points, rebounds and assists per game have all increased from last season. On November 6^th, Antetokounmpo drained four threes against the Clippers, too.

Without the distraction of a fellow superstar on his team, and with the Bucks set to head towards 60 wins once again, it’s hard to look past Antetokounmpo as MVP. He continues to improve regardless of his shooting. He won’t rest as frequently as James, Leonard or Davis, and the team success box will be ticked.

Antetokounmpo deserves his status as overwhelming favorite to defend his MVP crown. If he remains healthy, and the Bucks are a top two seed, it would be a shock if anyone else lifts the trophy.