NBA: LeBron makes MVP case against Cavs

LeBron James is playing a career-low 33.3 minutes per game so far this season, and yet he is still right in the middle of the MVP race. In his return to Cleveland, the 4-time league MVP exploded for a season-high 46 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a 115-108 win. LeBron dropped 21 points in the fourth quarter alone, including back to back buckets in the final minute to seal the victory. The Lakers improved to 14-4 and 9-0 on the road.

Not only has LeBron continued to dominate by getting to the rim, but he's also developed his 3-point shot to a level we've never seen from him. Even though it's only a month into the season, LeBron is shooting a career-high 41.3% from downtown. That's his highest mark since hitting 40.6% in 2013, which was also the last time he won MVP. LeBron was 7/11 on 3-point attempts versus the Cavaliers, including three in the final five minutes.

There are a handful of MVP candidates that have impressed this year - Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic - but LeBron has once again put his name alongside them. He's putting up 25.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on 49.2% shooting from the field. Even if he doesn't win the award this season, LeBron is proving that he's still getting better at 36-years-old and the rest of the league should take notice.

Photo Credit: SB Nation.