From 2009: NBA MVP Statistical Analysis

Over a couple of beers the other night with some friends, I was discussing the apparently three-pronged race for MVP in the NBA this year. Unless you've been living in Bedrock, Mississippi the past year, you know that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are the favorites, with Dwyane Wade making a stronger than usual dark horse case. One of my friends was appalled at how obviously this is a case of media favoritism, and that other players were more deserving but stood no chance because of little to no media exposure. Fair argument, but you can't deny the other three's performances. Another friend tried to make the argument that the MVP HAS to contribute to a winning team, otherwise they cannot be considered for the award. After drinking a few more beers and listening to their arguments, something occurred to me.