It is that time of the year. Every year, NBA analysts find a way to have a conversation about the Most Valuable Player even if the conversation isn’t worth having. Right now, people are having a conversation about the NBA MVP that shouldn’t be taking place. But the media has to find things to talk about, and this is an easy one. LeBron James, the old guard versus Giannis Antetokounmpo, the new guard. It is a sexy topic. This drives engagement, views, clicks, listens. And oh, by the way, these two guys play each other on ESPN on Friday night in Los Angeles. This is all the reason why the NBA MVP conversation is happening.

Giannis is the clear-cut winner. He checks off every box possible you can think of. Antetokounmpo is that guy. The only stat category that James has over Antetokounmpo is the assist category. What he is doing from a passing perspective is impressive, but that is not the sole reason to give him that award. He leads a team that has a better record than James. Further, the Eastern Conference is a better conference than the Western Conference despite what the outside world tells you.

He will probably not win unanimously because James holds a special place with many basketball writers. And the season he is having is incredible, and there is a bit of Giannis’ fatigue. Additionally, if you think that it is bad this year, wait until next year after Antetokounmpo wins back-to-back awards. Each time when James won back-to-back MVP’s, someone else won it in that next year. Not even Michael Jordan won three straight MVP’s, therefore, next year will be a different story.

If Lakers beat the Bucks on Friday night, people are going to be insufferable. This will get louder. And if Giannis wins that game, I do not think people will immediately check the box for Antetokounmpo either. That’s part of the Los Angeles/Milwaukee split, and the love that people have for LeBron versus every other athlete in basketball. That said, it is one game out of 82. And in case people forget, Giannis dominated him and the Lakers in Milwaukee in December. Don’t forget that part of the equation either.

Giannis vs. LeBron is only beginning.

Charlie.