The King v the MVP: LeBron James and Steph Curry go head to head

Critics say the NBA's new 'play-in' phase has devalued the season itself - but supporters say it eliminated tanking and made the late-season games go down to the wire. Eoghan O'Sullivan looks ahead to the play-ins - and the play-offs

THE KING: The Lakers' LeBron James against the Sacramento Kings: James has only played 45 games this season, and yet he’s still expected to make one of the All NBA teams. Picture: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

Even in normal times, the path to NBA glory can feel like a slog - but it’s been a real war of attrition this season. 

Just 71 days separated LeBron James’ LA Lakers claiming the championship in a Covid-forced bubble environment at Disney World in Orlando and the 2020-21 season tipping off last December 22nd.