LeBron James was named the NBA MVP Monday afternoon. This is, of course, not a tremendous shock.
In a year where there were three (James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant) or four (Dwight Howard) MVP candidates, it was almost a shame for the other players to put up huge seasons, because LeBron's statistical dominance (28.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game), as well as the Cavaliers' team play (66 wins), simply dwarfed everyone else.
James will become the second youngest player in the history of the NBA to win the MVP award, with only Wes Unseld in 1969 being younger. Additionally, Bron would be the first Cleveland player in the history of the franchise to win the award -- a true testament to exactly how much he means to the Cavalier franchise.
It's a special occasion for James, of course, but it's also a special time for people that love the NBA. The recognition of James' greatness and the possibility of a Cavs-Lakers matchup in the NBA Finals -- pitting the two best teams and the last two MVPs -- is more than enough to drown out anyone who thinks that the L qualifies as a niche sport.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-04-2009 @ 11:21AM
Mr.G said...
Congrats to the KING!Well deserved and overdue.I could see a few more of these awards in the future for Mr.James.He is the most dominating all-around player in the game,bar NONE.LeBron will stay with his hometown team and a new dynasty is born.True story,BELIEVE IT...GO CAVS!
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5-04-2009 @ 1:28PM
clubberj said...
Good for Lebron. But his statistics "dwarfed everyone else"? Kobe who purposely scored less, averaged just below James. The shooting guard Bryant averaged less than 2 rebounds less than the forward James. The Shooting guard Bryant(not point) assist average just less than the dishing forward James. Lakers won 65 games to Cavs 66, and cruised the last two weeks.
So where is the dwarfing? Lebron is deserving. But don't make up a story about his stats and team wins dwarfing other contenders. It is just not true!
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5-04-2009 @ 4:33PM
SimbaDogg said...
seriously...i hate when commentary writers (sports writers especially) try to make stories bigger than they are. kobe played a much more hands off approach in terms of facilitating his teams offense, and still racked up numbers damn nearly close to king james. so really...dwarf? sheah...
5-04-2009 @ 1:28PM
shepardtrent said...
Congradulations to Lebron. Keep your eye on the prize. Bring that championship to Cleveland! Long live THE KING!! Go Cavs!!!
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5-04-2009 @ 2:05PM
ggtonap said...
The LAKERS OWN THE calvaliers...PERIOD
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5-04-2009 @ 4:36PM
SimbaDogg said...
yezzir...first team to beat the cavs @ home, then soundly beat them @ the staples center. 2-0 remember guys?
5-04-2009 @ 5:59PM
steve said...
yeah remember the cavs that got swept by the spurs? we didn't lose to them in the regular season that year either and look how well that logic worked out in the end.
5-04-2009 @ 3:00PM
lopjackie21 said...
GO LAKERRRRRRRRRRRS.!
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5-04-2009 @ 8:09PM
THEMADROD said...
the year of the CAVS
5-04-2009 @ 4:29PM
obamaizadope said...
True, the Cavs would be nowhere without LeBron, but Kobe is still the baddest man on the planet..
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5-04-2009 @ 5:28PM
hljac50 said...
Congrats to Lebron, but you still have to play the game, and ATL is no picnic..
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5-04-2009 @ 8:17PM
FELISHA said...
CONGRATS TO LEBRON BUT HE CAN'T BEAT THE LAKERS ALONE AND THAT'S WHAT KOBE REALIZED. LAKERS CAN PLAY WITHOUT KOBE AND STILL BE GOOD. THAT'S WHY KOBE DID NOT WIN IT THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR HE HAD TO DO ALOT BUT THIS YEAR HE CAN SIT ON THE BENCH FOR A LONG REST. HE CAN TURN IT ON AND HELP THE TEAM WHENEVER HE WANTS HE CAN GET ANY SHOT HE WANTS WHEREVER HE WANTS BUT HE KNOWS IT'S A TEAM THAT CAN GET THEM TO THE FINALS AGAIN. NOT JUST HIM. AND THAT'S HIS MISSION THIS YEAR.
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5-04-2009 @ 8:54PM
gatorsdogs said...
I hope the cavs do win the championship....but come on now, this is cleveland we are talking about!
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5-05-2009 @ 1:02AM
Mike said...
Congratulations LeBron James 2008-09 NBA MVP... keep up the good work and hopefully Cavs win the championship this year... To all LeBron and Cavs fans, we are one step away, LeBron is MVP and hopefully the Cavs win the championship... Keep supporting... and become a "WITNESS"
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