Lakers forward LeBron James has been named the Western Conference’s Player of the Month for games played in February, the NBA announced today (via Twitter). While it’s the 41st time in his decorated 22-year NBA career that James has earned the honor, it’s the first time he has done so since 2020.
James’ Lakers went 10-2 in February, with the four-time MVP averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 35.1 minutes per game to lead the way. The 40-year-old posted an impressive shooting line of .555/.443/.738 in his 11 games over the course of the month.
James’ teammate Austin Reaves was among the other players nominated for the award in the West, along with Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaren Jackson Jr., Nikola Jokic, and Anfernee Simons, according to the league (Twitter link).
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has earned February’s Player of the Month award. He was selected over fellow nominees Cade Cunningham, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and teammate Evan Mobley.
Mitchell, who appears well on his way to an All-NBA berth, averaged 25.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game with a .487/.381/.786 shooting line in 10 games in February. His Cavaliers continued to extend their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings during the month, with a 10-1 record.
It’s the third time in Mitchell’s career that he has won a Player of the Month award, including his second time as a Cav.
Thump City!
As good as LeBron has been..has he really been better than Jokic? Or SGA? Out of the three, they’re all super important to their team but I would say Jokic more so.
Don’t forget that the Lakers are the “darlings” of the league right now and are always popular. Plus, James is still the biggest money draw in the league. So, ta-da, he won.
A.) Yes. Lebron was better than Jokic and SGA in the month of February.
B.) The player of the month award is not called the most important player on their team award.
C.) What the hell does giving LeBron POTM do for the NBA in terms of “money draw”? Actually explain to me what increase in profit the NBA is seeing by giving him the award.