Perhaps the most prestigious award of the annual All-Star Weekend is the NBA All-Star MVP Award. After Kobe Bryant's unexpected death, the NBA decided to rename the award in his honor after him. Bryant also tied with Bob Pettit for the most All-Star MVPs four times.
This season, several bright young stars in the league have a chance to win the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award. Here are the top five players with the best hopes to win the race.
Five players lead the odds for the 2024 NBA All-Star MVP
5. Anthony Edwards (odds: 1.0)
If we ask Anthony Edwards, he might say it's his first official All-Star selection. He didn't think his selection last year made sense because he was selected as one of the injured All-Star benches.
He is one of the members of the reserve squad this season and is ready to make a huge contribution. Based on his outstanding performance this season, odds agencies believe he is the fifth most likely player to win the NBA All-Star MVP.
4. Stephen Curry (odds: 0.8)
Stephen Curry finished third in the poll this season, missing out on All-Star starters. Regardless, he's still been drafted off the bench because of his continued stellar performances, which may be the only thing the Golden State Warriors can sustain.
Despite being a substitute, he is expected to be the MVP of the All-Star Game. This is thanks to his ability to score at will in the most exciting way.
3. Jayson Tatum (odds: 0.8)
Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has a well-documented high level of respect for Kobe Bryant. Therefore, it is only fitting that he receives an award named after his idol.
Tatum was named the MVP of last year's All-Star Game with a double-double of 55 points and 10 rebounds. There's no reason to think he won't have another big game as he continues to pursue Kobe's footsteps forward.
2. LeBron James (odds: 0.7)
LeBron James has broken a lot of records lately, and he could break another one at this year's All-Star Game. He has won the NBA All-Star MVP three times and is one step away from tying Kobe Bryant and Pettit.
The 39-year-old star faces some stiff competition at this season's Oscars. However, he remains one of the most talented players in the league, and he can give fans a performance of his fourth NBA All-Star MVP.
1. Brother Alphabet (odds: 0.6)
He had another great season, averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. For the most part, the "Greek monster" looks unstoppable, even when the defense tries to contain him.
If he does it in a game with defense, imagine how much of an impact he can make in a game that is usually undefended. He is considered the most likely NBA All-Star MVP of the year, and if he does win, it will be his second time.
Friends who like me can follow me and share more NBA-related with you every day!