Lebron's 61 Points Was Basketball Artistry. Was It Also A Declaration To Durant (And MVP Voters)?

If he is clearly the best player, why isn't he the MVP too?

For much of this season it has become a bit of a forgone conclusion that Kevin Durant is ready to break through.  Whether that is driven by our love and expectations of Durant or our disdain and secret wish for Lebron to fail, this season has evolved into an MVP coronation.

Clearly Kevin Durant has been among the elite players in the league for years, but seen as a distant second to the best player in the league, Lebron James.  Even now, Kevin Durant has the distinct possibility of having every person who ever mentions him for MVP, preface their explanation with "Lebron is still the best player in the league".

Is Lebron battling the history of Dwayne Wade and the consistent greatness of Chris Bosh or has Durant been diminished by the greatness of his sidekick Russell Westbrook?  Serious conversation about Durant for MVP did not gain real legs until Westbrook went down and Durant was forced to elevate his game.  Early on, he only elevated his scoring and the Thunder proceeded to lose several tough games.  The winning returned with the rise of Durant's scoring, but Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka elevated their games as well.

The truth of this MVP race is hidden in the grey matter.  What is not is the immense ability of each player.  If we had a worldwide pick up game of basketball, Kevin Durant and Lebron James are getting picked up in the first two selections.  What is also rather clear is that Durant probably will not win this year without a de facto asterisk to his accomplishment.

Whether Durant hears it or not, Lebron hears it for sure.  Lebron is still the best player in the world but right now, if voters had to choose, they would vote Kevin Durant for MVP.  In other words, he may not be the best, but he is playing the best.  This has turned into a backhanded disrespect of both players who have to view the commentary as less than an unequivocal honor of their games.

By the legendary Leroy Neiman

For Durant, winning this award shouldn't come with a gigantic shadow.  If he is truly the league's Most Valuable Player, it shouldn't matter who ranks above him in overall skill and ability.  When Steve Nash won 2 in a row it was because he had become a basketball magician for two season's and his flawless execution of the pick and roll game was absolute poetry.  Durant is creating the kind of artful season that Leroy Neiman would love.  Yet for all of his grace and form, Renoir he is not.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Lebron James has a duty to the game of basketball.  Lebron James has a duty to himself.  That being said, Lebron James is currently playing because of his duty to Kevin Durant as well.  Lebron has decided that there shall be no token MVP's.  If those who select art decide to buy Neiman and not Renoir, then it will not be a result of Renoir failing to perform.