NBA MVP Race: Odds That Kevin Durant and Others Win This Year's Award

There is a tight race for the 2012 NBA MVP Award. 

While Kevin Durant and LeBron James are runaway favorites, sleepers like Rajon Rondo and Kevin Love are also putting up MVP-worthy numbers.

No single player has the award locked up yet. These last games of the regular season will determine who's taking home the title of Most Valuable Player.

What are the odds that KD and company will win this year's award? 

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

2011-12 Stats: 27.8 points per game, 7.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists.

Team Record: 44-17

MVP Chances: High

Kevin Durant is the front-runner in the MVP race.  When it comes to his performance in the 2011-12 season, Durant has been putting up numbers all year.

His 27.8 PPG is second-best in the league. KD has also come through in the clutch for the Thunder in numerous tight moments. 

He's led his team to a 44-17 record, the second-best mark in the Western Conference. Durant's consistency, along with his team's success, make him a favorite to win MVP.

LeBron James, Miami Heat

2011-12 Stats: 27.1 points per game, 7.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists.

Team Record: 43-17

MVP Chances: High

LeBron James has been putting up incredible numbers across the board this year and is arguably having the best season of his career.

The compressed season has sent many of the league's stars, including teammate Dwyane Wade, to the bench. However, James has played in 59 of 60 games so far and has led the Heat to an 11-1 mark in games without Wade in the lineup.   

After a stellar performance in New Jersey on Monday, some are saying King James has already secured the MVP award. LeBron scored Miami's last 17 points in the final 4:48 to rally his team past the Nets.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

2011-12 Stats: 28.1 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists.

Team Record: 39-23

MVP Chances: Medium

Kobe Bryant leads the NBA in scoring at 28.1 PPG and has helped lead the Lakers to the head of the Pacific Division. 

Right now he's sidelined with a bruised shin, and has been banged up for most of the season. Although he's currently on the bench, Bryant has impressively played through most of his injuries this year. 

While Bryant is having an outstanding season, it may not be enough to surpass Durant or LeBron for MVP. 

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

2011-12 Stats: 19.3 points per game, 9.0 assists, 2.5 steals.

Team Record: 38-23

MVP Chances: Low

CP3 is a sleeper candidate for the 2012 MVP Award. 

At 38-23, the team is on track to grab the fourth seed in the playoffs, a huge improvement from last year.

While his personal stats aren't eye-popping, it is obvious that Paul is single-handedly responsible for the Clippers' success this year. He is the undisputed leader of that team.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

2011-12 Stats: 26.0 points per game, 13.3 rebounds, 0.5 blocks.

Team Record: 25-38

MVP Chances: Low

Based on his numbers alone, Kevin Love is having a MVP-worthy season. Based on his team's record, he has a slim chance of actually winning the award. 

Love is the best power forward in the league right now. His 25.5 efficiency rate is fifth in the NBA and he's second in the league in rebounds, grabbing 13.3 boards a night. 

Without Love, the Timberwolves would be more of a Wizards or Bobcats-caliber team. While he probably won't win this season, expect Love to be an MVP candidate for years to come. 

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

2011-12 Stats: 12.1 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, 11.6 assists, 1.8 steals.

Team Record: 36-26

MVP Chances: Medium 

Rajon Rondo is finally being included in MVP talks. The Celtics have the best record in the NBA since the All-Star break and have moved to the top of the Atlantic Division. Much of their success can be attributed to Rondo's leadership.

Rondo has been the only constant for the injury-prone Celtics this season. As one of the best point guards in the league, he helps his team in all areas of the game.

In his last 23 games, he has registered at least 10 assists. He's only seven games away from breaking John Stockton's record of 29 games.