Looking at things from CV’s POV.
Russell Westbrook is your 2017 NBA MVP.
But is he the REAL MVP?
Westbrook had an unbelievable season becoming just the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double over the course of a full season. He also set the record for most triple-doubles in a season.
That is an outstanding feat no doubt and the record of the Thunder was considerably better when he put up a triple-double in a game.
Russell Westbrook lead his team to a six seed in the Western Conference. There is no doubt that OKC is nowhere near a playoff team without Westbrook on the court.
But was there someone who was more valuable despite not averaging a triple-double?
The answer is yes and his name is LeBron James.
Yes, he took some nights off and that surely should be an argument against him. But the Cavs were a two seed in the Eastern Conference and they went winless in the games that LeBron did not play in.
The Cavs rely on James to not only play every position on the court, but he also plays coach and General Manger as well.
Even with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, without LeBron, I would be willing to bet that the Cavs still do not make the playoffs. The fact is Irving and Love are above average, yet overrated players who only look good because of James.
Westbrook does not make his teammates better.
LBJ had a better shooting percentage, shot better from three-point range, and committed fewer turnovers per game. Let’s not forget he is a much better defender than Westbrook is.
Based on the definition of valuable, LeBron James should be the MVP every year he is in the league because he means that much to every team he plays for.
The Most Valuable Player Award should be renamed the Most Outstanding Player Award, just like in college football.