NBA All-Star Weekend: 5 Predictions for the All-Star Game MVP award

Team LeBron - LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Damian Lillard (subject to change), Ben Simmons, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Domantas Sabonis

Team Giannis - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker, Trae Young, Khris Middleton, Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Brandon Ingram, Donovan Mitchell

While the lineups for the much-awaited All-Star game were drafted last week, Damian Lillard's last-minute groin injury on Wednesday has made his appearance unlikely. Nevertheless, the night at Chicago will be stacked with elite quality superstars, assembled under one roof for a highlight matchup.

Even though the All-Star game has lost its intensity and significance over the years, the fans in attendance never leave the arena disappointed. The light-hearted nature of explosive plays soon turns into a heated clash for bragging rights as the clock winds down.

The All-Star Game MVP award is often bagged by the player who manages to get buckets amidst the hullabaloo. In this piece, we'll put forward five names in particular who seem most likely to walk out with MVP honors at the All-Star Weekend.

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#5 Trae Young

Young was left off Team USA's preliminary roster for 2020 Olympics.

Trae Young's breakout year has resulted in his first All-Star berth, right in his sophomore season. The 21-year-old point guard is averaging blistering numbers in 29.7 points (3rd highest in the league), 9.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game, making him one of the most promising talents in the league.

The glaring absence of Stephen Curry and his long-range bombs is expected to be compensated by Young's three-point prowess. And judging by the year he is having, Young is projected to be an exciting entity on the All-Star starting lineup this year.

Moreover, the All-Star weekend is all about flashy and effortless playmaking, which is one area where Young holds a distinct edge over a majority of NBA players.

#4 Russell Westbrook

Brodie won the All-Star MVP award in 2015 and 2016.

Russell Westbrook has found his groove in the Houston Rockets uniform this season. Ever since he has teamed up with James Harden in Houston, Westbrook is scoring 27.2 points per game - his highest since 2017.

The UCLA poduct is a former regular season MVP, and this is the 9th All-Star selection of his career. Considering Brodie is a frequent presence at the All-Star game, his experience would be invaluable when the lights are brightest.

With him and James Harden both repping Team LeBron, it will be a sight to witness when this partnership wreaks havoc on the opposition.

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#3 Luka Doncic

Doncic is an MVP contender at just 20 years of age

Luka Doncic has been posting near-triple-double averages this season, doing more than enough to punch his name into the All-Star starting lineup. He ended up on Team LeBron and now, the basketball world can't wait to see what's in store for him in Chicago.

The Slovenian phenom and former Euroleague Champ has ripped the league open with his mature approach to the game, and his aptitude to slow the game down and play it at his pace. Not the most athletic player around, Doncic makes up for his weaknesses in a multitude of ways.

While many are sceptical of his fundamentally sound style working in a flashy All-Star matchup, it can be argued that Luka's repertoire and adaptability to fit into the scheme of things would hold him in good stead.

#2 Anthony Davis

Davis was the All-Star game MVP back in 2017.

Anthony Davis joined forces with LeBron in LA this past summer, and the NBA hasn't been the same since. The Los Angeles Lakers are surefire title contenders and their two megastars are clicking on all cylinders.

An argument can be justifiably made that Davis will feed off LeBron's energy in his 7th straight All-Star appearance. And that would make for quite an exhibition.

That's not to forget that 'The Brow' notched up 52 points and 10 rebounds - breaking Wilt Chamberlain's All-Star game record of 42 points - en route to winning the All-Star Game MVP on 19 February 2017.

Davis is currently averaging 26.6 points, 9.2 boards and 2.4 blocks per game this season, while shooting 52% from the field.

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#1 LeBron James

LeBron knows the All-Star Weekend better than anyone in the league.

It is a valid theory that LeBron James is the favourite to win whatever basketball matchup he decides to participate in. This is LeBron's record 16th straight All-Star appearance, and the King is leading a Western Conference squad for the third straight year.

While the 35-year-old might be looking to step on the brakes and save some energy for the second half of the season, it is also possible that he might surprise us yet again. He was the youngest player in NBA history - at 21 years and 51 days old - to win the All-Star game MVP hardware, and is also the league's all-time in leader in points scored in All-Star games.

If LeBron is suiting up, he can never be counted out. The man carries an ocean of experience after having faced almost all kinds of adversities and success throughout his illustrious career.