Will LeBron James Become NBA Finals MVP?

The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a bind with a 2-3 hole, needing to win in game 6 to force a deciding game 7 in the current NBA Finals.

Lebron James will again be expected to be at the front of the Cavaliers, perhaps the only lone bright spot that coach David Blatt right now.

James has been trying his best to lift the Cavs, with most of their key players in sick bay. Kevin Love has been no help at all as he recuperates from his shoulder injury while Kyrie Irving went down in game 1.

Everyone practically gave up hope, knowing the Warriors have the decisive edge with James all by his lonesome. But lo and behold, the Cavs even took a 2-1 series lead before dropping the next two which accounts for the 3-2 lead the Warriors have.

James has put up monster numbers consistently but try as he might, the King simply cannot do it all by himself. Matthew Dellavedova was there in game three as well as support from Timofey Mozgov, J.R. Smith and Imam Shumpert. But with no consistent contribution, James simply cannot do all the work everynight.

Does he deserve to be the Finals MVP? The immediate answer is yes but only if the Cavs are able to win the NBA title.

A triumph by the Cavs will undoubtedly make James a hands-down choice but what if the Cavs lose? Would it be possible to see James win the MVP trophy still?

In the history of the NBA, only one man has been able to pull off that feat – Jerry West. This happened in 1969 when the Lakers bowed to the Celtics in 7 games.

Back then, West averaged 37.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.4 assists, big numbers that more or less justified why he was named the Finals MVP despite playing for the losing team.

Could it be déjà vu with James? Just look at his numbers.

James is averaging 36.6 points, 12.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists. The numbers James has put are better which makes one wonder if James be considered as the Finals MVP.

Though it wasn’t mentioned if there was any Celtic during West’s time put up decent numbers for their squad, the thing is that the Warriors have players who have stepped up and made a difference.

There is of course Stephen Curry who finally showed why he is the regular season MVP and the rise of Andre Iguodala. Incidentally, it is Iguodala who has been making life miserable for James.

However, thinking of the Finals MVP award right now seems a bit premature. The Cavs are still in this one and could erase all that complications if they pull through.

James is no doubt a hands-down choice but for the Cavs to come away with a title, coach David Blatt needs to find a way to get other players more involved.

If he intends to do that, he has to start Tuesday night when the Cavs host the Warriors at the Quicken Loans Arena for game 6 of the 2014-15 NBA Finals.