Mar 5, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; ESPN Analysts, Magic Johnson and Stephen A. Smith talk before the game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers won 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Predicts 2025 NBA MVP

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 9:09 PM ET

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has gotten off to an incredible start to his seventh NBA season.

The former Kentucky star has averages of 31.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 53.1% from the field and 35.2% from the three-point range in his first 40 games.

He is coming off a stellar performance in the Thunder's 134-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Via The NBA: "With 40 PTS in 29:14 of play, Shai becomes the FIRST player in franchise history to score 40+ PTS in less than 30 minutes!"

With 40 PTS in 29:14 of play, Shai becomes the FIRST player in franchise history to score 40+ PTS in less than 30 minutes! https://t.co/WeG4QaGjoM pic.twitter.com/Pcby4JmTMN
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2025

After the game, Los Angeles Lakers legend (and Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson) sent out a post about Gilgeous-Alexander.

Johnson wrote: "Last night Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved to us all why he’ll be the most valuable player in the league this season scoring 40 points against the Cavs!"

Last night Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved to us all why he’ll be the most valuable player in the league this season scoring 40 points against the Cavs!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 17, 2025

Many fans commented on Johnson's post.

@LeSportFanatic: "I also think its a battle between him and the joker but its not definitive. Love that the Magic man is showing love though"

I also think its a battle between him and the joker but its not definitive. Love that the Magic man is showing love though https://t.co/OoY9rzfqik
— Sport Fanatic (@LeSportFanatic) January 17, 2025

@LakersOnX: "Shai MVP"

Shai MVP
— Lakers On (@LakersOnX) January 17, 2025

@QBnumber5: "So the numbers Jokic put up night in and night out carry no weight? I know when you do it every game year after year those numbers get boring. But this season he is flirting with a triple double. No disrespect to SGA, not a problem if he Wins his first. Just not a Lock!"

So the numbers Jokic put up night in and night out carry no weight? I know when you do it every game year after year those numbers get boring. But this season he is flirting with a triple double. No disrespect to SGA, not a problem if he Wins his first. Just not a Lock!
— Dennis Jones (@QBnumber5) January 17, 2025

The Thunder are the first seed in the Western Conference with a 34-6 record in 40 games.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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