It is always a hotly-debated topic this time of year: What, exactly, makes a player "more valuable" than another, and what makes the chosen one, the "Most Valuable Player"
 
Because there is no standard definition, many of us end up disagreeing on what constitutes an MVP-worthy campaign.  Some will argue that the MVP should be given to the best player in the league.  Others will claim, the best player on the best team should be handed the hardware.  Then someone will contend that a player’s "value" is determined by what his team’s record would be if he wasn’t on that squad?  This year, it seems as if yet another rift emerged, as sabermetric-minded folks who subscribe primarily to analytical examination of the numbers tended to frequently bump heads with those who are of the opinion that quantifiable statistics do not tell the whole story.  Inevitably, this discussion/argument remains unresolved, as neither side is able to convince the other. 
 
However, by looking at the voting process over the last few decades, certain consistencies do emerge. For instance, although it is not stated overtly or addressed publicly, voters are clearly hesitant to continue voting for the same player over and over again.  The results prove this point.  There have been only three players in the history of the sport that have been named the NBA’s MVP in three consecutive seasons: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird.  It has happened since 1986.  And no player has ever won it four seasons in row.  Yes, even the great Michael Jordan never won the MVP in three consecutive seasons.  If MJ was never able to pull off an MVP 3-Peat, you can assume it won’t happen again anytime soon.
 
Part of the reasoning/justification for this anomaly is the aforementioned loose definition of the term "most valuable." If the MVP was handed out to the "best player," Jordan certainly would have won AT LEAST three in a row during his prime.  For instance, Wayne Gretzky was clearly the NHL’s best player in the 1980′s – the MJ of the NHL, if you will.  Accordingly, Gretzky was handed the Hart Trophy (the NHL’s MVP award) eight straight seasons -every year from 1979-1988.  That wouldn’t have happened in the NBA.
 
And, in making the case for LeBron James as the rightful recipient of the 2010-2011 NBA MVP award, we shall start here.  Many would agree that LeBron James has been the best player in the NBA the last few seasons.  The back-to-back Maurice Podoloff trophies on his mantelpiece, representing his consecutive MVP awards, speak to that assertion.  However, it is also obvious that going into this season, even before the debacle of "The Decision," LeBron had history working against him.  Then, after a summer of missteps tarnished his public image immeasurably, King James was fighting nearly insurmountable odds in his quest to keep his crown.     

Nonetheless, LeBron’s freakish combination of size, speed, and athleticism; combined with an incredibly high basketball IQ and an incredible all-around skill-set, make him arguably one the most physically talented players to ever step foot on an NBA court.  His talent and production was undisputable during his career in Cleveland, and he isn’t any less skilled simply because he changed uniforms and foolishly tweeted about karma.  
 
Over his final two years with the Cavs, LeBron was a statistical dynamo.  And if you compare his stats this season, to his numbers in Cleveland, they are impressively similar.  In fact, LeBron is shooting a career-best 51.1% from the field this season; while scoring 26.7 points, dishing out 7.0 assists, and grabbing 7.5 boards a night (and increase from 2009-2010).  To help put that in perspective, LeBron is averaging more assists than top point guards such as Tony Parker and Chauncey Billups.  And LBJ averages more rebounds than Marc Gasol or Dirk Nowitzki.  Oh, and he scores more points than anyone on earth not named Kevin Durant.
 
{AUTHOR_BOX}In addition, here are some more facts to help his stats in historical context.  This season, LBJ became just the seventh player (and youngest) in NBA history to score 2,000 points in seven straight seasons… He is the first member of the HEAT to ever record four triple-doubles in a single season… LeBron, who has twice been named Player of the Month and earned five Player of the Week honors, leads the HEAT in points, assists, and steals. 

We have almost come to expect this prolific production from LeBron, but that doesn’t make these numbers any less incredible.  
 
Furthermore, as impressive as LeBron’s standard stats have been, his advanced metrics are equally extraordinary.  He leads the league in PER (27.22), is second in NBA Efficiency Rating (28.49), and top-10 in ‘Win Shares.’

In addition, LeBron’s monumental impact is not limited to the offensive end of the floor.  Per NBA.com, Miami sits atop the NBA in a few defensive categories, ranking second in point differential (+7.1), second in opponent field goal percentage (.433), eighth in opponent three-point field goal percentage (.345) and eighth in points allowed (95.1). Additionally, on the offensive end, they are protecting the ball ranking first in blocks allowed per game (2.97) and seventh in steals allowed per game (6.91). 

Clearly, King James’ statistical contributions pass the MVP litmus test.  Then, if you ask the question: How valuable is LeBron in terms of wins and losses to a team, check out where the Cavs sit in the standings?  The Cavs won an average of 64 games the last two seasons.  This season… not so much.  Cleveland, sans LeBron, has been stuck in the Central Division Cellar all year long.  The Cavs have 63 losses this season, after losing a total of 37 contests the last two seasons combined.      

As detailed above, LeBron’s MVP credentials are undeniably legit; and if voters voted in a vacuum, King James would have a solid shot to keep his crown… 
 
 
Follow Tommy on Twitter, or shoot him an e-mail