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Debate

Is FIBA's MVP ruling biased against LeBron James? Time for a change in the selection process?

Both Stephen Curry and Lebron James played a crucial role in Team USA winning the Olympic gold. But even though James took home the tournament MVP, many people are questioning that call from FIBA. Sure, Lebron James was the best player in Team USA before the semi-finals, but after Stephen Curry’s insane performance in those last two games against Serbia and France, where he dropped a combined 60 points on 17-26 shooting from downtown, it is tough to say the MVP should have gone to anyone else.

While Steph got it done on the offense, raining down threes, especially in the last two games, Lebron made his impact on both sides of the court. With over 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists, the 39-year-old left it all on the floor for Team USA at the Olympics. Since both of them put on MVP-level performances, wouldn’t it have been cool if they shared the award? Well, that’s exactly what the podcaster and LeBron James fanboy Nick Wright is feeling.

“So, there to me was a legitimate argument for either of those guys, and I think they were so…they embraced each other so much literally and figuratively in the tournament that it would have been really cool to have co-MVPs,” Wright said on his podcast What’s Wright? With Nick Wright.

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“Also, I don’t think the Olympics needs a tournament MVP. It’s a weird thing they don’t do it every time. They did it in 04′ and Manu won it. They did it in 2020 and Durant won it and they did it this year and Lebron won it, but I think Steph and Lebron sharing it would have been awesome,” Wright added.

Wright thinks FIBA needs to switch up its MVP rules, and he has a point – doesn’t it seem odd that they don’t hand out the MVP every time? Giving the MVP to James stirred up a lot of drama, especially among fans, with one side backing Curry and the other for James. But while the fans might disagree on who deserved the MVP, let’s dive into how the Olympics impacted the relationship between James and Curry.

Curry and James’ bond got stronger at the Olympics

For many years, the two greats have been touted against each other, especially during their numerous NBA finals. Fans have always dreamed of seeing them play on the same team and the dream finally came true in the 2024 Olympics. In one of their exhibition games against Canada, James and Curry had a moment that is now etched into the fans’ minds. Curry drove into the lane and lobbed an alley-oop to ‘King’ James, who threw down a monster dunk. It was an extraordinary bit of play by the two NBA greats.

In addition to their on-court chemistry, the vibes between LeBron and Curry were strong off the court, too. They were even spotted kicking it outside their team bus during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What’s your perspective on:

Is FIBA's MVP ruling biased against LeBron James? Time for a change in the selection process?

Have an interesting take?

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Even though Steph Curry did not win the MVP, the rivalry between James and Steph seems to be a thing of the past. “The two athletes themselves have laid their swords down. There was a time, where I don’t wanna say there was dislike but it felt like an on and off the court rivalry and that time has passed.” Wright added. “Where both of these guys know, man, we are not gonna have that many more moments like this.”

With this being Lebron James’ last Olympic event, it was likely the last time we saw both of these greats playing together on the international stage. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the Olympic MVP award? Who do you think should have won it? Let us know in the comments below.

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Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.