Top 5 NBA MVP contenders for the 2018-19 season

Let's face it. No player has done more for the league in recent history than LeBron James. He's been to nine-straight NBA finals, achieved multiple accolades, put his name near or at the top of stats lists, and won a few chips. He now joins the Lakers and if anyone can help turn their success around, it's Bron. He held the best odds to win the MVP at +400 via BetOnline (August 8).

If anyone is due an MVP award after all these years it's Anthony Davis. He's never won the honor but seems more than deserving based on how he shoulders the load in New Orleans. He'll be expected to do more of the same, now that DeMarcus Cousins has jumped ship for the reigning champions. Davis could be the smart money to capture his first in 2018-19 at +450 odds.

Harden is the 2018 NBA MVP winner and will look to once again guide this Houston Rockets team to the No. 1 record in the league. This season he has a bit more help, beyond All-Star Chris Paul, as Carmelo Anthony is there for a role. Still, this is Harden's team and the Rockets take off as far as he can accelerate them. Look for Harden to keep adding major stats to his resume as the Rockets keep climbing. At +500 odds he's one to watch.

The entire Eastern Conference benefitted when LeBron James left for the Lakers. In particular, it opens up the East for all of the biggest stars not named "LeBron." In particular, it could mean "The Greek Freak" gets his breakout season to take over the conference and earn an MVP Award. This guy's got plenty of upside and could be the next major star when the day comes that LeBron calls it quits. Giannis is a +550 contender this season.

Along with Giannis, Kyrie Irving, and Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard is another East player who can take over the conference now that LeBron's out. Leonard is also in prime position as he reloads with the Raptors. This could be his audition ahead of free agency, though, but that may mean he does what it takes to prove he's the top star around. An MVP Award wouldn't be out of the question if he brings Toronto to the league's top record. Keep an eye on his +800 odds which are a good risk.