NBA 2015 MVP Predictions: Kevin Durant Vs LeBron James! Will The Rivalry End? Anthony Davis And Chris Paul To Break The Trend?

The predictions for the upcoming NBA 2014-15 season stretches into the individual awards. The Most Valuable Player Award was almost a lock for LeBron James, winning 4 of the last 5 seasons until last year when Kevin Durant compiled an excellent season that saw him break the stranglehold of the King.

The website Basketball Insiders engaged in this debate and had two of its experts make a case for Durant and James. The gist of their arguments:

"Durant continues to exemplify what it means to be a professional, leader and teammate both on the court and off, but don't take that to mean he isn't as fierce a competitor as anyone else. While on the outside he may appear to have a generally laid-back personality, these last two years of losing in the Conference Semifinals (2013) and Conference Finals (2014) seemed to only add fuel to his internal fire.

The likelihood of Durant remaining in the vaunted 50-40-90 discussion - at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from beyond the arc, 90 percent from the charity stripe - while remaining around the 30 points per game mark are relatively high given his current career arc, as are his team's chances to be in competition for one of the West's top spots. For these reasons, Durant should be considered one of the frontrunners in this discussion as we head into the season."

Consistent excellence and quiet leadership through action is the trademark of Durant, and with renewed confidence in winning the award last season combined with the hunger of falling short of a Finals appearance will motivate KD.

For LeBron James:

"He's determined to win Cleveland their first NBA championship, as he's stated, and he's no longer the reigning champ or MVP.

James has shown that when he's in the right situation and mindset, he can be an absolute monster on both ends of the floor. He has flirted with Michael Jordan's record for highest efficiency rating in a season and he can seem unstoppable at times."

James can do anything and probably play any position if needed. He can also defend guys like Stephen Curry to Tim Duncan.

They have strong cases but Anthony Davis is set to break out. Being the sole anchor of the New Orleans Pelicans, he can also be a dark horse depending on how far he takes them. Chris Paul took a backseat to Blake Griffin due to injury and their success brought Griffin to no.3 in MVP voting. The Clippers can go farther with a healthy CP3, and he could win the award himself.