NBA: Race to MVP Week 1 Ladder

Nov 5, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Heat beat the Raptors 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

3. LeBron James, Miami Heat – 24.3 PPG, 7.7 APG, 5.5 RPG

It’s a bit weird having LeBron third, but the two players above him have been slightly more impressive. James is playing through back spasms that have been bothering him and is still putting up great numbers. His three-point accuracy — 47.6% — has been especially impressive, but is likely unsustainable.

LeBron’s stock in this week’s rankings has been hurt by the fact that the Heat as a whole have often looked lethargic this season, but make no mistake — James remains the favorite to take down his fifth MVP award.