While the MVP race appears to be between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić right now, LeBron James has been making a case for himself over the past month. His numbers since turning 40 are similar to his 2012-13 MVP season with the Miami Heat. And after the Lakers star became the first player in history to reach 50,000 career points on March 4, NBA analyst Tony Jones made some bold claims about James.
Tony Jones Reveals LeBron James’ Position in MVP Race
James is fresh off a 34-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans that helped move the Lakers to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. He also had eight rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks while shooting 10-of-18 from the field and 9-for-9 from the free-throw line.
Jones called James’ performance effortless, writing: “Bron just had one of the most effortless 30-point games you will ever see because Luka is now around to do the heavy lifting.”
Bron just had one of the most effortless 30 point games you will ever see because Luka is now around to do the heavy lifting
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) March 5, 2025
Jones believes that James, who’s averaging 24.8 points per game, should be third in the MVP race behind Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić. He argues that James has been carrying the Lakers since Anthony Davis was traded to the Mavericks.
“I would amend this to say he should be in the conversation for third. I’m factoring in his last eight weeks, carrying the load without AD and Luka, and the fact that the Lakers have been a top-three team over the last two months.”
I would amend this to say he should be in the conversation for third. I’m factoring in his last 8 weeks, carrying the load without AD and Luka and the fact that the lakers have been a top 3 team over the last two months https://t.co/Gtfj6ANsj8
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) March 5, 2025
James’ scoring and defense have both improved significantly since December. He averaged 22.7 points per game in November, then jumped to 25.6 in December. In January, he averaged 24.6, and in February, he posted 29.3—a clear trend upward as the playoffs approach.
The 40-year-old has taken on a bigger defensive role since Davis left for Dallas. He averaged 10.5 rebounds per game in February, up from 7.0 in January, and has been forcing players off the 3-point line while committing to defensive switches.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick also praised James’ defense, suggesting that the four-time NBA champion was playing at an All-NBA defense level.
“Again, he defies what’s normal…This is not an exaggeration,” Redick said. “If you watched our basketball team every night and you’ve watched our team now for the last six weeks or so, LeBron’s playing at an All-NBA defense level.”
Jones made a similar argument for James based on his defensive play, writing: “Think you also have to factor in the defense as well. But I appreciate your chart cause you can see the numbers side by side. You can make an argument from 3-5.”
Jones also said James should be named to the All-NBA First Team.
“LeBron deserves first-team All-NBA, and I think he’s been either the fourth or fifth-best player in the league this season,” he wrote.
While James’ MVP chances remain slim unless Gilgeous-Alexander or Jokić miss time, he’s a clear contender for his 14th All-NBA First Team selection and remains one of the league’s top five players this season.