Top 10 NBA Contenders to Win Scoring Title

Who has a legit shot of winning the NBA scoring title in 2012?

Let's look at this year's race, the past point-per-game scoring champs, as well as the best total point winners.

While newly acquired Monta Ellis will get even more scoring chances with the Milwaukee Bucks, he’s one of only a few players who could see their point totals rise.

LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers and Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves are carrying rosters weakened by trades and injuries. They’ll get more shots, but with decreasing efficiency, due to more defensive attention.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook has had an effective role and scoring pace all season, neither of which will change with barely 20 games left.

Blake Griffin will see fewer shots with newly acquired Nick Young aboard for the Los Angeles Clippers.

With seemingly no interest in the long term, Deron Williams now lacks any motivation to push harder for the New Jersey Nets.

Despite being near the top of this year’s race, two-time MVP LeBron James has surprisingly never led the league in total points.

He won’t lead this year either, as he’s become the Miami Heat’s second option in game- and crunch-time situations, and down the season stretch.

Three players—Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant—have led in total points during the past six years, and they all figure prominently into this year’s race.

Durant’s pace need not change, and Wade is too far back for his expected scoring jump to be enough.

With a healthy one-point lead over the nearest competitor, Kobe Bryant looks poised to win his third official scoring title.