LeBron James’s MVP-winning days are long over. Although some argue that he is the greatest basketball player of all time, he is no longer the most valuable player in the league. LeBron has been defying expectations his whole career, and the last few seasons have been no exception.r Entering his 22nd season and turning 40 in December with his son playing beside him, he will look to bring the Los Angeles Lakers back to the NBA Finals, but an MVP award is unlikely. The LeBron MVP odds are currently +15000. This 2024-25 NBA betting preview will look at the LeBron James MVP odds and determine if he has any chance to win another MVP.
2024-25 NBA MVP Odds: LeBron James MVP Days Are Over
LeBron’s MVP Past
Last season, LeBron James was unbelievable. He ended the season ranked 13th in the league in points and 5th in assists. At 39 years old, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. Although he has taken a step down from his explosive, high-flying past, he is still among the best players in the NBA.
"He can shoot it better, he's faster, he's more athletic, he's not even getting tired… I just don't understand."
First-ever IST MVP: LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/00CeTltILb
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 11, 2023
LeBron James has already claimed four MVP awards during his career, joining an elite club of players: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain, each with four or more MVPs. However, it has been over a decade since LeBron last won the award (2013). Despite remaining one of the league’s top performers, younger stars like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have dominated recent MVP conversations. LeBron hasn’t landed in the top three for MVP voting since the 2019-2020 season.
Factors Working Against LeBron
The two main factors that will work against LeBron’s MVP case are team success and the new 65-game rule. The last time an NBA MVP’s team wasn’t near the top of the standings was when Russell Westbrook won the award in 2016-2017. The Lakers simply aren’t good enough to put LeBron into the MVP conversation.
LeBron James on his son, Bronny James, entering his rookie season and his advice for him #RSRecommends
"I’m excited to just be present for him as a teammate and a father. And beyond his career and as general advice for life: have fun."
More: https://t.co/JG4qdXGkQv pic.twitter.com/KNK9CbLSnX
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) September 26, 2024
The Lakers have gone under their projected win total for four years in a row. They haven’t won 50 games since the COVID season, and they’ve narrowly made the playoffs as a seven seed the last two years. There hasn’t been enough roster improvement around LeBron and Anthony Davis this offseason for us to believe they will be able to be a top seed in the NBA standings.
Health is the next factor that hurts LeBron James’ MVP odds. The NBA’s new rule that players must play 65 games to be eligible for major end-of-season awards directly affects LeBron’s ability to win his fifth MVP. Since joining the Lakers in the 2018-19 season, LeBron has only played more than 65 games twice. Although he did play in 71 games last year, at his age, don’t expect him to repeat that this season.
LeBron James intends to opt out of his $51.4M player option for next season with the expectation to return to the Lakers on a new deal, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/4eDHEEoI9S
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 29, 2024
Long Odds, Save Your Money
Although the LeBron James MVP odds of +15000 may seem enticing, it’s better to stay away. Father time is slowly creeping up on King James, and there are too many other young stars able to put up much better statistics on much better teams. It seems like LeBron will end his career with four MVP awards, is that enough to make him the greatest basketball player of all time?
