Sixers MVP ladder: Is Joel Embiid the early-season favorite?

NBA MVP ladder #3: LeBron James

Age is just a number. LeBron James is 36, the time by which most players start a steep and slippery decent to irrelevance. LeBron, however, is putting together his most compelling MVP case in a minute, all while making LA favorites to repeat as champions.

So far, James is averaging 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He’s suddenly a 40.9 percent 3-point shooter, and Los Angeles — omitting a couple difficult losses of late — have been steadfast next to the Jazz and Clippers atop the West. James’ ability to manipulate defenses with his mind is unmatched. He’s arguably the best playmaker in the game of basketball.

James’ case is bolstered even further by Anthony Davis’ slow start to the season. Whereas many considered Davis the Lakers’ best MVP candidate last season, it has been inarguably James’ show this season. The MVP is often a narrative-based award, and the narrative for James is a strong one — he’s doing historic things at 36, fresh off a championship, and in the NBA’s biggest market.

Some minor shifts in the standings could determine James’ viability over time. If the Lakers finish as the No. 1 seed, voters will have a much easier time voting for him than if the Lakers plateau at No. 3. Regardless, you should not discount James’ chances at this point.