NBA Community in Disbelief as LeBron James Steals Spotlight from 9 Superstars Amid Major Media Bias

“MVP! MVP!” It’s the chant that echoes through arenas every time a fan-favorite delivers a game-changing moment. A chant reserved for those who leave their mark on the court, chasing the most coveted individual honor in the NBA. Winning the MVP award isn’t just about dominance in a single season—it’s about etching a name into history, standing out among 449 other players, and cementing a legacy.

As the 2024-25 season nears its climax, the MVP conversation is heating up. In the coming weeks, selected media members will cast their official votes to determine this year’s Most Valuable Player. But before the final decision is made, a recent straw poll has provided an early glimpse into the race—offering a snapshot of where the league’s top contenders currently stand.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim McMahon recently touched base on the second NBA MVP straw poll of the 2024-25 season, conducted this time by Tim Bontemps. While the top 4 names on the list haven’t changed from the last straw poll, the person heading the rankings has. After securing the second rank the first time around, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has now moved ahead of Nikola Jokić as the frontrunner!

This indicates that the odds have increased for the Oklahoma City Thunder guard to prevent the Serbian from receiving his 2 consecutive MVP title, and 4 in just 5 years. Both Windhorst and McMahon admitted to having a role in this change.

“With nothing against Jokic, I did vote for Shai. For first in this,” said Windhorst. To which McMahon added, “Yeah, and so did I. And, look, say what you want, if it’s even, I’m going with a guy who hadn’t won it yet, and the guy whose team is by far, you know, the best team of the Western Conference.”

As it turns out, however, the NBA community wasn’t that interested in either of the two players’ selections. Instead, they were more interested in discussing the 6th-ranking player on the straw poll: LeBron James.

NBA community applauds LeBron James for making the Top 10 MVP Ranking

One social media user did not have to name LeBron James for fans to realize who he was talking about. After all, he had praised the Lakers star by writing “Year 22. Age 40. Ol Cigar lungs wasn’t doin anything close to this. GOAT for a reason…”

The ‘Cigar Lungs’ line was a reference to no one other than Michael Jordan. After all, the Chicago Bulls legend was notorious for smoking a cigar before every single home game, from 1993 onwards. In fact, according to reports, Jordan spent between $550,000 and $940,000 on cigars during his playing days! Then again, no one questioned it too much. After all, His Airness did win 5 MVP and 6 Finals MVP titles.

However, Jordan’s last MVP title came when he was around his mid-30s. Meanwhile, LeBron is being considered for the same even as he attained the age of 40. Another individual praised the NBA All-Time Scorer by writing “Lebron James is still on these lists at 40? (Skull emojis) he owns your favorite player.”

The players above LeBron James on the list are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The average age of these 5 players is 28 years. Meanwhile, the players below LeBron James on the list are Anthony Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell. Their average age is 26 years old. None of the players is above 30, and still, LeBron James ranks between them. If that isn’t an indication of his continuing prowess, then what is?

One individual hyped up LeBron’s selection by writing “LeGOAT MY MVP.” James has won the MVP title 4 times throughout his NBA career. The first one came back in 2009, as the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a franchise record of 66–16 wins, falling just one game short of matching the best home record in league history.

LeBron averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game that season. He secured the MVP in 2010 too, while the remaining accolades made his way in 2012 and 2013. Having not won the MVP again for more than a decade, one would wonder whether he can still repeat the feat. Having his name on the list helps to increase the odds!

Another social media user posted a comment that stated “About time the King being seen!” Over the last 48 games this season, LeBron James has averaged 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9 assists. This puts him as the 16th-highest average scorer of the tournament for now. On top of that, the Los Angeles Lakers have been having a good run as they currently occupy the 5th seed in the Western Conference with their 32-20 win record.

This feat has been achieved despite doubts over how the team would perform under new head coach JJ Redick. After the initial doubts, the NBA All-Time Scorer has shown that he should not be counted out so quickly. One individual simply wrote “LEEEEBROOOONNN.” After everything that is known about the 40-year-old, was there anything else that needed to be said? For a player to be considered for the MVP title during his 22nd year in the NBA speaks volumes.

Overall, the majority of reactions had nothing but praise for LeBron James. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic leading the list, there is no guarantee that the Lakers star will walk away with the MVP title. Nevertheless, being named in the Top 10 is an achievement in itself. Let us know your pick for the MVP this year in the comment section.