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LeBron James Makes Big Move in MVP Race After Luka Doncic Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Ettinger | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 8:50 PM ET

As LeBron James continues to traverse his way through his historic NBA career, the word unprecedented often gets thrown around. James, now in his 40-year-old season, continues to rewrite the history books.

James already holds multiple NBA records, most notably all-time regular season scoring leader with 41,792 points as well as all-time playoffs scoring leader with 8,162 points. And James is looking to add another record to his laundry list of accolades this season.

If James were to win his fifth NBA MVP award, he would become the oldest player to take home the award. Karl Malone is the oldest player to win the award at 35 years old. At 40, James is currently the oldest player in the league. For James, winning the NBA MVP award has become more realistic since Luka Doncic was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Major movement in the latest @Kia MVP Ladder as The Joker reclaims the top spot

Plus, a familiar face re-enters the Top 5

Full Ladder: https://t.co/mzoecPukJR pic.twitter.com/FdUVE0EE4t
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 28, 2025

James has played seven games since Doncic's Lakers debut on Feb. 10, averaging 27.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. And since turning 40, James is averaging 26.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.3 assists per game (25 games).

With James raising his level of play during the second half of the season, his name has also risen up the Kia NBA MVP Ladder. James now sits at No. 5 in the MVP race. James' play has also reverberated throughout the entire Lakers roster. They have raised their level of play as a team, winning eight of their last 10 games.

James will continue his push for his potential record-setting NBA MVP when he and the Lakers take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Crypto.com arena at 10 p.m. EST on ESPN.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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