If the NBA is going to determine its awards for the 2019-20 season based on games played through March 11, Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel thinks the last weekend in Los Angeles before the break should be seriously considered.
The Lakers beat Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-103, on March 6, and then knocked down Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, 112-103, two days later.
Vogel says LeBron James ‘performance in those two games exemplified his case for the MVP, while Anthony Davis’ work in both wins showed why he should be Defensive Player of the Year.
“On that weekend, LeBron took on the most difficult task in both games. He kept Kawhi in the Clippers game and did a great job with him there. And then he protected Giannis in the Bucks game when AD was in foul problems and did a great job in those two situations, “Vogel said in a video conference with journalists on Saturday. “I think that weekend was probably a great indicator or a great measure.”
James, 35, won four MVP awards, but the last was in 2012-13. Since then, he has had two second place finishes and two third place finishes for the honor.
“Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James. I think he should be the MVP this year,” said Vogel. “I think he should be the Most Valuable Player and I think Anthony Davis should be Defensive Player of the Year. I hope those awards go to our two players.”
Davis, 27, has never finished higher than third for the defensive distinction.
Vogel said the couple’s leadership in defense was paramount to the Lakers’ success.
“We are the third best defense in the NBA, the best in the West and a lot of that comes from [James’] This season’s commitment, which has been greater than in recent years from what I have been told, has really set us apart, “said Vogel.” As I said, I hope those two awards go to those two players. “
James averaged 25.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 10.6 assists in the league per game before the season was suspended.
Vogel said James’ intangible contributions to the team should also be remembered by voters.
“Not to take anything away from some of the other candidates, but what LeBron means to our team, even before the season begins when the roster meets, with the number of players who are in the Lakers because LeBron James is here and I want to play with him, “said Vogel. “I think it starts there.
“And then obviously what you can do on the basketball court, orchestrate the offense, lead the league in assists, and really set the tone on the defensive end.”
The NBA issued a memorandum on Friday announcing that the eight qualifying games played by the 22 teams invited to Orlando, Florida for the season restart would not be included in consideration of the awards. The decision was made in order to guarantee, “a fair process in which the players and coaches of the 30 teams have the same opportunity to be honored as the best players of the regular season,” the note read, according to The Associated Press.
Vogel was also asked who would vote for Coach of the Year, if he couldn’t vote for himself, and crossed the lines in the Lakers-Boston Celtics rivalry to cast his vote.
“I think a lot of people have done great jobs,” he said. “Obviously Coach Bud (Mike Budenholzer) and Coach (Nick) Nurse in the east, doing what they have done has been very impressive,” said Vogel. “‘Billy the Kid’ (Billy Donovan) at OKC, with a team that didn’t necessarily have high expectations, has done a great job. Taylor Jenkins has done a great job in Memphis.
But why don’t I give it to my former Indiana friend Brad Stevens for doing such a great job of losing Kyrie Irving and a few others? Al Horford changing the whole identity of his team and having a great season. I would probably vote for Brad. “
.
