LeBron James should have been awarded the Finals MVP trophy. And I don’t think that there is any legitimate argument that could make me think otherwise.
I could rattle off all the numbers. I could say that LeBron averaged 35.8 points. I could mention that he averaged 13.3 rebounds.
I could slip into the conversation that he averaged 8.8 assists per game in this Finals series.
I could also go on to say that he is the first player in league history to lead both teams in points, assists and rebounds for an entire Finals series.
However, I do not think it is necessary to use all of these statistics. What I will say is that I don’t think I have ever seen a player put an entire team on his back through a Finals series like LeBron did. Period.
There cannot be an argument when I say that this has to be one of the greatest Finals performances in league history.
He nearly led a Cavaliers team to a Finals victory that, in all fairness, would have been at the bottom of either conference had LeBron James not been there.
So it all makes perfect sense that Andre Iguodala is awarded the Finals MVP right?
Yes, I do admit that he played extremely well. The sixth man veteran who was hungry to contribute and managed to make life difficult for LeBron is an amazing story. But, his performance was not better than LeBron’s.
LeBron’s performance wasn’t just for himself. It was for every single player on that team. He made role players stars; he made the city of Cleveland believers.
If LeBron was not the Most Valuable Player then I would desperately like to know the prerequisites for winning such an award. What does one have to do? What is the NBA’s definition of valuable?
To my knowledge, LeBron – the best player on the planet – could not have done more. He could not have played better.
LeBron should have been the first player since Jerry West in 1969 to lose a Finals series and still come away as the MVP.
LeBron James deserved to join Jerry West on such an honourable list.
pete bloor
Guest
Come on the Kobe comparison is a little off as it does just dismiss that James also posted an assist rate 68% higher than Kobe’s playoff career best, a rebound rate 47% higher so there are some other factors to be considered. It also dismisses the context, Westbrook typically gets blasted, rightly or wrongly, when he’s playing with Kevin Durant – did you see Kevin Durant out there for the Cav’s because I didn’t even see a Serge Ibaka in wine and gold.
Rarojuice
Guest
It comes down to what your definition of the word MVP is. In the true meaning of the word "Most Valuable Player". LeBron wins hands down.
express34texas
Guest
Whether or not you believe James deserved Finals MVP, which I don't, to say he couldn't have done more is ridiculous. It's quite interesting, depending on who the player is, how the media portrays them. If Kobe or even Westbrook shot as much and as poorly as James, they'd get blasted. But, since it was James, we're hearing a lot on how he's never played better. Things James could've done better: shoot much better, including FTs, which cost CLE a game 1 win, score more and score more efficiently facing mainly single coverage, actually be engaged on defense which he rarely was, stop getting tired at ends of games, and stop making so many excuses. If you and whoever else thought he had to play too minutes, then I challenge you to look back at how many minutes top players were playing each playoffs. James wasn't asked to play more than almost any other top player was asked deep in the playoffs. I'm not saying he didn't play very well, but he was lacking in many areas still.
Kevin dustby
Guest
I agree, I laughed when klay called curry the true mvp when they won.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Thanks for the read Oliver... although a little late :) If your story's premise is that LBJ should've got the MVP award 'cause West got it, in a losing team way back in 69, then fair enough. But as that was some time ago, and things have moved-on... as it's pretty much a given now that the MVP award is given to some-one in the Championship team... this is just redundant mutterings. Although, I will add I completely understand your thoughts, and you're not alone in them... but the MVP award will always go the winning team.
Jason
Roar Rookie
I completely agree that Jordan did everything, have watched a lot of basketball. But to be fair, LeBron was shafted two years in a row to not win Defensive Player of the Year. LeBron is an amazing defender, and a better rebounder. Jordan was and always will be the greatest of all time but this performance from James in this series, whilst it will never compete with Jordan's legacy, was simply outstanding.
blueeyecodger
Guest
Youngin try Jordan!! He did it all & even played defence which is not something Lebron is keen on although he can do it very well when needed
Jason
Roar Rookie
Apologies! Only just got on Roar and wrote this article for my website some time ago. Still think it needs to be discussed though.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Hahaha. I also thought it was a bit belated article. But he's damn right!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
It took you this long to realise?! :)