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Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis has a sneaky case for MVP

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Anthony Davis is a lost closer to Giannis Antetokounmpo than you realize

Can we sit here and outright say that Anthony Davis is having a better season than Giannis Antetokounmpo like he is over LeBron James? No, we cannot. There is a reason why Giannis is the favorite to win the MVP for a second straight season and why he is now considered the best player in the league.

However, there is not that big of a gap between Giannis and Davis, and depending on what specific voters value the most, you could absolutely make the case that Davis’ production this season is more valuable to his team.

Giannis is averaging 29.6 points (+3.0 on Davis), 13.8 rebounds (+4.3 on Davis) and 5.8 assists (+2.6 on Davis) this season. Giannis undoubtedly has the advantage in the traditional box score stats, but he also has a massive advantage in usage rate.

Giannis has the second-highest usage rate in the NBA (36.3), trailing only Malik Newman of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has played four total minutes. Davis, meanwhile, is 26th in the league in usage rate (28.5).

Yes, that helps Giannis as he is doing more, but Davis is not even the top usage rate player on the Lakers and he is still averaging offensive numbers that are close to Giannis. Davis has also been better defensively than Giannis this season, which helps swing the argument back in his favor.

Giannis has been worth 10.3 win shares this season, Davis is right behind him with 9.9 win shares. It is a lot loser than people realize stats-wise, which is going to help Davis with the third and final point.

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