LeBron James, in his 22nd NBA season, continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The Los Angeles Lakers star has continued to play at a high level, winning an NBA title with every organization he’s joined.
Though currently out with a groin injury, James is averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game this season. In fact, with new players on board and a reliable coach in JJ Redick, James is eyeing a potential fifth championship.
However, is James a viable candidate to win MVP?
Shaquille O’Neal Shares Candid Take on LeBron James’ MVP Candidacy
As the 2024-25 season progresses, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remain the frontrunners among MVP candidates. Others like Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antentokounmpo, the Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell are also in the race.
James, according to the latest update to the NBA’s Kia MVP Ladder, is ranked at No. 8. Meanwhile, some fans continue to hype James as their MVP favorite, highlighting his beyond-impressive athleticism at the ago of 40.
Former NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal, though, isn’t entirely convinced.
Speaking on “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” O’Neal said to Adam Lefkoe, “Ever since I lost two MVPs, I don’t know … what the criteria is and what. I always thought it meant you’re the baddest motherf***er in the league.”
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“MVP is ‘Most Valuable Player’ — player is singular. It has nothing to do with the f***ing team,” O’Neal said.
He then proceeded to give his own ranking: “Baddest motherf***er in the league: Joker [Jokić]. Shai. Haven’t really been watching LeBron like that so I’m not sure.”
O’Neal refused to believe it was a team effort, confident that the award should be earned by the individual. The two guys O’Neal named, Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander, were easily the two most popular choices among fans.
Jokić, drafted in 2014, is averaging 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists. A legend in Denver already, the Serbian player is already a three-time NBA MVP (2021, 2021, and 2024).
Gilgeous-Alexander, in his seventh season, is scoring 33.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Though a three-time All-Star, the Thunder star is yet to win an NBA MVP.
O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion, has only won one NBA MVP (2000), though he has been vocal about how he believes he should have won the award over Steve Nash both years the guard won it in Phoenix (2005 and 2006).
LeBron James, however, has won four MVPs, achieving the honor in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013.
O’Neal Speaks on James’ NBA Longevity
MVP or not, there’s no denying how impressive James’ 22-year career in the league is. O’Neal, however, credits it to less physical play.
“It’s less physical and he’s always done this [run around] his whole career, he’s never really done that [throw elbows],” O’Neal said on his podcast. “The fact that it’s less physical definitely helps him. But he’s always taken care of his body, he’s always played at a certain level and you asked what are you doing it for.”
Now, while James might not win another MVP award in his career, the NBA icon certainly has another, bigger goal in mind: a fifth NBA championship.