With Lebron James & Lamelo Ball out Indefinitely, What Will Be the Dynamics Mvp & Rookie of the Year Race?

Lebron James and Lamelo Ball potential frontrunners for MVP and Rookie Of the Year Respectively might miss their chance to win due to injuries.

Lebron James was starting to become the frontrunners for the MVP race, specifically the last two months.

And Lamelo Ball was the front runner for the ‘Rookie of the year award from the start of the season and was top on the front runner’s list.

However, due to injuries suffered, it seems the dynamics for the MVP and ROY will change.

Lebron James Injury

Lebron James suffered from an ankle injury during Los Angeles Lakers match up against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday afternoon.

James left the game after twisting his ankle during the second quarter.

While trying to secure a loose ball, Hawks forward Solomon Hill fell on top of James’ right ankle, and James fell to the floor in pain. 

Even so, James didn’t leave the court right away. He stayed and knocked a three-pointer before he checked out and headed to the locker.

Shortly after James exited the match, it announced that he would not return to the game.

X-rays came negative on the angle, but James was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain after an MRI. So he is out indefinitely.

After the news, James wrote on Twitter, “Nothing anger and saddened me more than not being available to and for my teammates.

I’m hurt inside and out right now”. “The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left.” 

2020-21 MVP Race: 

As the 2020-21 NBA season enters its second half, the MVP race has gathered the heat.

As several candidates are moving places in NBA MVP Power Rankings each month.

Previously, in every season in the NBA, two or three players lead the MVP race more than the rest of the league.

This year though, more players are making their place in the MVP race as strong contenders.

In this months’ MVP power rankings, we see changes in the rankings, with James coming on the top 5.

As in the article by NBA.com, players in the top 10 list are as below:

1. Nikola Doncic, Denver Nuggets
2. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
4. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
5. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
6.  James Harden, Brooklyn Nets
7. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
8.  Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
9. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
10.  Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat

Now, James’s injury for an indefinite amount of time changes the rankings for the MVP race.

James has been averaging 25.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

Meanwhile, 1st place Nikola Jokic has been averaging 27.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.6 steals per game.

And 2nd place, Damian Lillard averages 30.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.8 assists per game.

Similarly, 3rd place Giannis is averaging 29.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks per game.

5th place Joel Embid, top in the last ranking, is averaging 29.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.

However, Joel has dropped from the top after he missed games due to an injury, which negatively affects his candidacy for the MVP.