The Week 9 Kia MVP Ladder

This weeks updated Kia MVP Ladder have shown no shortage of changes in the tightly contested race. Reigning MVP James Harden is now back into the top ten, thanks to his 50-point triple double he had on Dec. 13th. Two members of the Thunder also find themselves as candidates, and Stephen Curry, now returned from injury, is steadily remaking his way to the top.

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Last week: No. 1
Season stats: 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.4 steals
Though the Lakers are only the 4th seed in their conference, and have a losing record on the road, there's no telling the failure of a season they'd be having without LeBron. The Lakers desperately need another solid piece to add to their rotation, as depth, espescially on the defensive end, is hard to come by. James' ability to keep this sqaud in the playoff race is his main argument for the MVP award. Over the past 5 games (as of December 14th), he's averaged 30.8 pts, 8.4 asts, 7.0 reb, and 1.8 stls. Nearly at age 34, it's incredible he's stayed this efficient, and at this point in the season is the favorite to win the MVP.

2. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

Last week: No. 3
Season stats: 26.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals
Leonard has been out for the Raptors last two games with a bruised hip, and is listed as questionable for his next game against Portland. The Raptors are 6-1 without him this season, making it easy to find holes in his argument for MVP. Regardless, he's been the main contributer to this sqaud, and the success they'd have without him in December is no comparism t the struggle it'd be without him in mid-April to possibly June. Leonard is the most important piece of this deep roster that's maintained the league's best record, making him nearly an automatic to be in conversation for the MVP award.

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Last week: No. 2
Season stats: 28.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals
The Warriors suffered a blowout loss to the Raptors, who played without Kawhi Leonard, on Wednesday. Curry's performance was anything but special, getting only 10 points on his 12 shots. However, the two-time MVP's other 4 out of his last 5 games have been phenomenal, as he's averaged 32.5 points, shooting 52% from the floor and nearly 46% from 3. His initial scoring tear he went on at the beginning of the season has slowed down some, but he's still putting numbers that make him a serious contender for the award.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Last week: No. 4
Season stats: 25.9 points, 13.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.3 blocks
Giannis has been an unstoppable force over the last few games, going for 19 points, 19 rebounds, 6 rebounds, and a block in a road win against the Raptors. He followed that with 22 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, tow blocks and two steals in a home loss against the Golden State Warriors. Though the defensive scheme of the Pacers held him to 12 points, overall he's been a double-double machine, with a relentless attacking mindset, that paired with his 7'3" wingspan, is guaranteed to put up freakish stats.

5. Joel Embiid, Philidelphia 76ers

Last week: No. 5
Season stats: 26.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 blocks
Though Joel Embiid seems to get more attention for what he says and does off the court, the Sixers' big man has had no shortage of success this season. Though frustrated as he's been trying to adapt to a new, more perimeter centric role, Embiid's dominance on the low block is nothing to pass up. He was unstoppable in Monday's win over the Pistons, having 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. In a loss at home he was even more dominant, stuffing the stat sheet with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The Next Five:

And five more: Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies; Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans; Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics; Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder