The L.A. Lakers spent years at the bottom of the Western Conference before acquiring LeBron James in 2018. With his arrival, came the potential for greatness and the Lakers went from bottom-feeders to title contenders almost overnight.
Fast forward one year and the Lakers still have yet to earn that elusive Chip, but former superstar guard Magic Johnson still believes LeBron and Davis are the best players in the game and when he made his selections for the annual NBA season awards, both players made an appearance on the list.
LeBron James is definitely the MVP this season. He is almost averaging a triple double with 25 points, 10 assists, and basically 8 rebounds per game. His defense has been amazing and there is no better leader in sports!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 21, 2020
The Grizzlies’ Ja Morant for Rookie of the Year…not even close. Defensive Player of the Year is the Lakers’ Anthony Davis. Coach of the Year is the Grizzlies’ Taylor Jenkins and the Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram is Most Improved Player.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 21, 2020
He also included Lakers GM Rob Pelinka on his list of candidates for executive of the year.
I can’t make up my mind between Pat Riley, Jerry West, Rob Pelinka, and Sean Marks for Executive of the Year. I can make a case for all of them!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 21, 2020
Considering the dramatic turnaround of the Lakers, and the numbers being put up by Bron and AD, it seems more than reasonable to include them in the race for MVP and DPOY.
James, at 35-years-old, is averaging 25.7 points, 10.6 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game on 49.8% shooting. As the leader both on and off the floor for his team, he is probably most responsible for their current position atop the West standings.
Davis, meanwhile, has dominated the floor in other ways, averaging 26.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game on 51% shooting. He sets the tone defensively for the club and allows James to get a much-needed break from time to time.
Together, the two have formed an insanely powerful duo and they stand as much a chance as anyone in the race for the 2020 title. Things won’t be easy, by any means, but it wouldn’t be wise to count them out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo6z7SU2LDA
