NBA History: 5 Players who were on the verge of winning unanimous MVP

#2 Shaquille O'Neal 1999-00 (Won 120 of 121 votes)

Shaq won three NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers

The most dominant center of all time, how Shaquille O'Neal did not win the unanimous MVP is beyond belief. A freak of nature in his prime, Shaq was running the league ragged. He was an absolute monster on both ends of the floor and continued to propel his team toward greatness.

During the 1999-00 season, Shaq averaged 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds and shot over 57% from the field. With Phil Jackson running the ship, the Los Angeles Lakers finished with a 67-15 record. They went on to win the championship beating the Indiana Pacers 4-2 in the NBA Finals.

The most annoying thing about Shaq not being awarded the unanimous MVP was the fact that the only other vote went to Allen Iverson who finished seventh in the overall MVP standings. His sheer presence on the court put fear into the hearts of the opponents.

---

#1 LeBron James 2012-13 (Won 120 of 121 votes)

LeBron James led the Miami Heat to two championships

LeBron James in his absolute peak did everything and during the 2012-13 season, he was in his prime for the Miami Heat. He was a great defender who orchestrated the offense for his side and led them to back to back championships. Teaming up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, there are few sides in history better than this Heat team.

LeBron through the course of the season averaged 26.8 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting 56.5% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc. Truly astonishing numbers for a forward. He was a defensive presence throughout the season while churning out such outrageous offensive numbers.

Being the main figure for the franchise, LeBron led the team to a 66-16 record and swept the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. They then played the Chicago Bulls who were beaten in five games before setting up the Eastern Conference Finals clash against the Indiana Pacers from which they emerged victorious in seven games. They eventually went on to beat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals capping off a truly magnificent season for King James.