In a season that saw some of the most closely contested MVP races in recent memory, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers emerged as the clear winner, claiming his 18th MVP award and setting a new standard for excellence in the NBA. The 2024-2025 season was a testament to James's continued dominance, as he led the league in scoring with 31.4 points per game, along with 8.8 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage of 55.6% and 38.5% from 5.9 three-point attempts per game further solidified his dominance on both ends of the court.
The Lakers' record of 61-21 was a testament to James's leadership, as they finished with the best record in the NBA by a wide margin. The team was 18 games ahead of the second-place Brooklyn Nets and 11 games ahead of the third-place Philadelphia 76ers. James's impact was not limited to his individual statistics; he also led the Lakers to a dominant defensive performance, allowing just 102.6 points per 100 possessions, which was the best in the NBA.
Despite strong competition from Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, James's overall impact on both ends of the court and on his team's success was unmatched. Jokić finished second in voting with 34 first-place votes, while Antetokounmpo received 26. Both players had impressive seasons, with Jokić averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, and Antetokounmpo averaging 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. However, neither could match James's overall impact on the game and his team's success.
James's win is a testament to his continued excellence at an age when many players are beginning to decline. He has etched his name alongside some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson. With this latest MVP award, James now holds the record for most career MVP awards, a testament to his unparalleled legacy in the NBA.
