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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Magic Johnson: James Harden, Russell Westbrook Both Deserve MVP
Lakers News

Magic Johnson: James Harden, Russell Westbrook Both Deserve MVP

Corey Hansford
Published: 04/06/2017
3 Min Read
Magic Johnson: James Harden, Russell Westbrook Both Deserve Mvp
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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One of the prevailing storylines throughout this season has been the exciting race for NBA MVP. While many names have been mentioned such as Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Isaiah Thomas, for most, the race comes down to two people: James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

With Westbrook on pace to become the second person ever to average a triple-double in a season, and Harden elevating his game to unimaginable heights under new coach Mike D’Antoni, fans, media members, and former players have gone back and forth over who should walk away with the award.

Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson recently chimed in on the conversation, noting that both guys deserve it and he’s going to be disappointed for whoever doesn’t receive it, via Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston:

.@MagicJohnson on MVP race between @JHarden13 & @russwest44: "I'm going to be disappointed for 1 of them. Both of them deserve it." #Rockets pic.twitter.com/PqMLhrB8j1

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 4, 2017

Johnson shares the mindset of many people these days in that it is tough to decide who is more deserving between the two. Even Kobe Bryant suggested that there could be co-MVPs for the first time in NBA history.

In addition to averaging a triple-double this season, Westbrook is also set to break Oscar Robertson’s record for most triple-doubles in a season. He has kept the Thunder in the playoffs despite losing superstar Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors last summer.

Harden meanwhile is nearly averaging a triple-double himself and has turned the Houston Rockets into a legitimate championship contender. In fact, the Rockets team success could ultimately be the deciding factor to MVP voters.

Johnson, a former three-time MVP himself, understands what it takes to get to that level which may contribute to his feelings over one of them not being able to win the award. In the meantime, Magic remains hard at work trying to find the Lakers their next MVP candidate, hopefully, sooner than later.

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TAGGED:James HardenMagic JohnsonRussell Westbrook
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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