NBA MVP 2012: Ranking the Biggest Threats to LeBron James

Miami Heat superstar LeBron James has put together an MVP-type season from the opening tip of the season on.

Depending on who you talk to, James is either the runaway favorite to win his third MVP award or he will be in a tight MVP race that could go down to the very last day of the regular season.

Regardless of what side of the fence you sit on that issue, James has to be considered the favorite at the moment after posting a season in which he's averaged 27.1 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game and 6.3 assists per game.

LeBron has four regular-season games to go in order to lock up the award. If he doesn't, here's a look at a few of his biggest threats.

4. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

Someone has to give Parker some MVP love after the season he's put together. He's averaged 18.6 PPG and 7.7 APG, but his steady play has been one of the major reasons that the Spurs are off to a Western Conference best 46-16 record.

3. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Paul was acquired by the Clippers to lead them to places they haven't been before and after winning 13 of their past 16 games, it appears that Paul has done exactly that, as the Clippers are only 1.0 game behind the Lakers for the Pacific Division lead.

Individually, he's had a nice season, averaging 19.3 PPG, 9.0 APG and 2.4 SPG, and he's a big reason why the Clippers have become contenders.

2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Bryant's the NBA's leading scorer at 27.9 PPG and has put together a solid 2012 campaign, doing it despite being hurt on several occasions and without a great roster around him.

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder 

Some feel Durant should win the award and worst-case scenario for him, he's right on LeBron's heels.

Oklahoma City is only a half game behind San Antonio in the West, and Durant's all-around numbers should rank right up there with those of James', averaging 27.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 3.5 APG. He's had some big moments late in games and has come through more often than not.

Durant has three games left to make that final push, and it should be very interesting to see how the voting eventually plays out.