3 Reasons LeBron James Deserves MVP Over Giannis

Friday night saw two of the best teams in the NBA square off. The mighty Lakers welcomed the class of the Eastern Conference in the Milwaukee Bucks.

What fans across the nation really wanted to see, however, was the showdown between the legendary LeBron James and the man who looks set to take the title of best in the league from him, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The pair of superstars lead the race for this season's MVP title, and with a decisive win over Milwaukee, King James showed why he deserves the honor.

3. LeBron Keeps Making Guys Around Him Better

LeBron James and Danny Green. / Harry How/Getty Images

The Most Valuable Player award should consider value to their team, and no player has proven to be as important to a franchise this season as LeBron. He's averaging a league high 10.7 assists per game, and year after year, we see him elevate the players around him. When James is in the game, the Lakers allow 8.2 fewer points per 100 possessions versus the 7.6 fewer allowed by the Bucks with Giannis. He's resurrected the Lakers, and no other player in the league could have done it so efficiently.

2. Versatility

Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James shooting. / Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

To echo his teammate, Anthony Davis, "Basically he can do everything on the floor. He can shoot the ball, he can pass, he gets everyone involved. He can take over games." James is a forward, but he has an incredibly diverse portfolio of ways to embarrass an opponent. He excels in the paint, but he's still averaging 34.7% in 3-point shooting. He's no Steph Curry or James Harden from three, but you have to respect him everywhere on the court. Beyond point scoring, his career-high assists per game stat just shows how he's adapting to his surroundings.

1. Situational Adaptability

LeBron James takes on Khris Middleton at the rim. / Harry How/Getty Images

His versatility as a player gives the Lakers a huge advantage over Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. The Bucks are designed to give Giannis every opportunity charge to the basket. Their shooters open up the court and leave him with a one-on-one situation. It works, but they're a one-trick pony because that's the only game Giannis can play. LeBron has such a diverse skill set and so much experience, the Lakers can adjust to the teams they play. If a team gets wise, they can stop the Bucks with a few adjustments. LeBron's team can change things up and find a way to win.