NBA MVP Ladder 3-2-21

(David Zalubowski/AP)

3. LeBron James

(Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)

If this season was only one month long, LeBron would have taken home his 5th MVP. But ever since his running mate Anthony Davis has been out with injury, LeBron’s MVP stock has dropped. Many, including myself, believed LeBron would shoulder more of the responsibility for the Lakers in AD’s absence. He has done that, but is still carrying on with his annual treatment of the regular season. LeBron has “taken it easy” in the regular season for the past few years because he knows the Playoffs are more important and he knows he’s good enough to make it. This is actually smart, even though fans hate it, but it is hurting his MVP chances. If he had taken a step up when AD fell, he would be back on top. He has continued to be careful, and the Lakers aren’t lighting it up recently. By the way, LeBron being careful and “taking it easy” is still producing 25.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per night. He still has time, but it is beginning to turn into a two man race entering the All-Star Break.

2. Nikola Jokic

(Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

Nikola Jokic fell off the MVP ladder when the Nuggets fell on hard times and Steph Curry started going bonkers. But he’s back and higher than ever. Not literally high. Actually he might be. Anyways, Jokic is putting up the best numbers of his career and hasn’t stopped over the last week. He is averaging 31 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists while leading the Nuggets to a 3-1 record. He has consistently shown himself to be the best passing bigman in the NBA and the focal point of the 5th ranked offense. Basketball Reference has Jokic leading the MVP race at the moment, but I guess I’ll be the rebel.

1. Joel Embiid

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Embiid remains on top for the 3rd week in a row. It’s hard to take the man off the top spot when the Sixers have lead the Eastern Conference all year and Embiid’s numbers keep getting better. Joel is averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds this season, all while having the most efficient shooting numbers of his career. Philly is 3-1 in the past week with some monster performances form their All-Star Starting big man. In their one loss this week, an overtime L to the Cavs, Embiid carried the Sixer offense with 42 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. He then turned around and had 24 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Indiana. This was Embiid's 20th double-double of the season. Joel's play is still the biggest reason for Philly being number one in the East. If he can hold off Brooklyn and continue to have a career year, he may be able to take home his first MVP award.