While the novel coronavirus has forced the 2019-20 NBA season to come to a halt, numerous players have shared their opinions on who should win major awards this year.
In a recent interview, Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum explained why Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James deserves the MVP award this season.
Jayson Tatum Says LeBron is MVP 👀
The Celtics star also gives out other NBA awards and talks about the G League vs. the NCAA during an interview with @TaylorRooks pic.twitter.com/UufwAZyzSx
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 17, 2020
“I think I would give it to LeBron,” Tatum said. “They were the No. 1 team, No. 1 seed in the West. You know, he was averaging 25 and whatever. I think he was leading the league in assists. So, at that age especially, for him to still be as good as he is, playing at such a high level. I think I would give it to him.”
James, 35, was in a two-player race with Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the 2020 MVP award.
While Antetokounmpo was considered the frontrunner, James was giving him a run for his money just before the regular season came to a pause.
In fact, James and the Lakers defeated the Bucks the weekend prior to the announcement of the suspension.
The four-time MVP is averaging 25.7 points, 10.6 dimes and 7.9 boards per game this season. In addition, his superb play and guidance had led the Lakers to the second-best record in the entire association.
Tatum, 22, was also having a phenomenal season prior to the stoppage. As a matter of fact, he was in the midst of a breakout year with career-highs across the board.
The 6-foot-8 forward is putting up 23.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season.
