NBA MVP Rankings 2012: Is Chris Paul Gaining on LeBron James?

The regular-season NBA MVP race is heating up with the All-Star break quickly approaching, and Chris Paul is rapidly rising up the ladder as he emerges as the unquestioned leader for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant have all continued their impressive seasons, but has anyone done enough to knock LeBron James out of the top spot at this juncture of the season?

With the playoff picture remaining wide open in both the Eastern and Western conferences, there is plenty of time for the players on this list (and even some who don't currently appear) to make a move in the rankings.

10. Paul Pierce, SF, Boston Celtics

Stats: 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 3.0 turnovers, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks, 41.8 percent shooting

Pierce has been at the center of the turnaround in Boston's season, and we're suddenly discussing this Celtics team as a contender after a tumultuous start.

Although he has slowed down slightly since Rajon Rondo returned from a wrist injury, Pierce has continued to put forth a well-rounded effort and still doesn't get the appreciation he should for how versatile his contributions can be on any given night.

The one thing Pierce needs to do to stay inside the top 10 is cut down on the number of three-point shots he's taking (averaging 4.5 per game), but his impressive foul shooting and ability to get others involved should not be overlooked in his value as a player.

9. Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers

Stats: 21.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.7 turnovers, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 53.2 percent shooting

Those who think Griffin is just a show of athleticism and doesn't have a game that has evolved from his electric rookie season—look again.

Griffin has improved his efficiency from the floor and his play on the defensive end, and it's very evident that he's making an effort to become a more complete basketball player.

He has benefited greatly from the arrival of Chris Paul, and in eight February games thus far, Griffin is shooting a ridiculous 56.4 percent from the floor.

8. Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Stats: 22.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 4.3 turnovers, 2.1 steals, 0.3 blocks, 46.6 percent shooting

The high volume of turnovers in Westbrook's game is the only thing holding him back from moving higher up in these rankings.

Westbrook has shot better than 48 percent from the floor since January, and although his scoring has been fun to watch and has helped his team win, he's got to cut down on the constant turnovers in order to take the next step.

He doesn't have a ton of assists, but so what? Oklahoma City is winning, Westbrook is knocking on the door of a 20-5-5 season and he's showing exactly why the Thunder held no hesitancy in signing him to a max extension.

7. Kevin Love, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

Stats: 25.3 points, 13.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.7 turnovers, 1.0 steals, 0.5 blocks, 45.4 percent shooting

Love's stat line is just ridiculous to glance at, and his constant double-doubles have become so regular that they don't even get much attention anymore.

He still doesn't have the defensive prowess that many would like to see, and his success from behind the line has him falling in love with the deep ball a little too often.

Having said that, Love dominates the game beneath the basket, as evidenced by his average of 4.1 offensive rebounds per game.

Love is also shooting an impressive 83.5 percent from the foul line, something rarely seen from those at his position.

6. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic

Stats: 20.2 points, 15.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 3.2 turnovers, 1.4 steals, 2.1 blocks, 55 percent shooting

There is going to be a different opinion about the talent surrounding Dwight Howard in Orlando if he's wearing another uniform by the end of the season.

Howard is so important to what Orlando does because he commands such attention down low. It's incredible to watch some attempt to discount his value to the Magic.

After all the attention that has been paid to his free-throw shooting, Howard has improved his stroke from the line drastically in February and is playing second fiddle to no other center in this league.

5. Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls

Stats: 22.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 2.9 turnovers, 0.9 steals, 0.6 blocks, 46.2 percent shooting

Rose's toe and back have kept him out of some action this season, but there is no questioning the impact he has on a game when on the floor.

Although his scoring is down from where it was last season, Rose doesn't need to take on the same offensive burden he did previously because he's getting increased support from his teammates.

Rose is playing fewer minutes and taking fewer shots than he was last season, but he's making a concerted effort to get others involved. It has paid major dividends.

4. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers

Stats: 29.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.7 turnovers, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, 44.0 percent shooting

There is a lot of emphasis put on Bryant's numbers in "clutch time" and the fact that he's averaging 24.1 shots per game. Those are valid topics of conversation.

However, it's foolish to completely ignore the other side of the coin.

Bryant is getting no offensive help aside from Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, and as someone who already has trouble trusting his teammates, there isn't a lot to like about the makeup of the roster.

The inability to garner contributions from either small forward or point guard has Bryant carrying the load, and it's not because he wants to do it so often—it's because he has no choice.

3. Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

Stats: 18.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 2.1 turnovers, 2.3 steals, 0.0 blocks, 50.5 percent shooting

It is surprising that Paul doesn't gain more attention in the public sphere for MVP in the midst of having one of the best seasons of his entire career.

Paul is shooting a career-high percentage from the floor and from behind the three-point line (43.6 percent), while also boasting an impressive 86.1 clip from the foul line.

The best part about his game? Paul is averaging more steals per game than turnovers, and he's demonstrating to everyone why he should still be considered top dog at the point guard position.

2. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Stats: 27.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.7 turnovers, 1.2 steals, 1.4 blocks, 50.5 percent shooting

It's impressive to watch what Durant is doing from the field this season, as he continues to shoot over 50 percent. There is a lot to be said for the consistent nature in which he delivers for the Thunder.

He has really come on strongly on the glass this season, while also showing that he's not afraid to take on a more assertive role at the defensive end.

Durant would be receiving a lot more attention if LeBron James weren't having such a dominant season, but the Durantula does deserve a great deal of praise for how well he has played to date.

1. LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat

Stats: 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 3.9 turnovers, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks, 54.7 percent shooting

The out-of-body experience continues for James' ridiculous season, and although this list has nine other contenders for the award, none of them are close to taking the top spot at this time.

James is finishing at a career-high rate on his shots at the rim (77.1 percent), and he's really refined his style of play emphatically in order to maximize his effort.

It's been phenomenal to see the evolution in his approach, and he's showing everybody exactly what he's capable of doing when he asserts himself at both ends of the floor.