Sparkling throughout the NBA Cup, LeBron James fully deserved his MVP trophy after the Lakers’ coronation. Anthony Davis could have taken him after his mammoth performance in the final, but the journalists preferred the King. Although one of them wanted to stand out…

Resting today, before returning to the courts later in the week, the Lakers can smile after winning the NBA Cup. An important victory for morale… and the bank account, since the Darvin Ham players will pocket $500,000 after this coronation. A great reward for this franchise, just like LeBron James , crowned MVP.

The controversial vote during the NBA Cup

Despite the 40-20 dropped by Anthony Davis during the last match, the Akron native was logically acclaimed for this MVP. He was present in every match to help the Angelinos win, all at almost 39 years old as a reminder. The title was also decided between him and Davis… except for a journalist: Dustin Dopirak. The latter is the only one having voted for Tyrese Haliburton.

The NBA In-Season Tournament MVP was selected by a panel of media and fan votes. Complete results below ⬇️ https://t.co/tCSthVyH6T

pic.twitter.com/4EqOhnL549

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 10, 2023

We must first recognize that Haliburton had a great competition, especially since no one saw the Pacers arriving at this stage of the NBA Cup. From there to giving him the MVP ahead of LeBron despite the defeat? Maybe not. A surprising vote… or not, since Dopirak works for the Indianapolis Star, which therefore covers… the Pacers. You quickly understand the problem and the anger of Internet users.

Example of a local beat writer becoming a fan of a team rather than covering it objectively

— Javon Edmonds (@javonedmonds45) December 10, 2023

The perfect example of a local journalist becoming a fan of the team rather than following it objectively.

Dustin should never be allowed to vote again

— R (@Tiffosii) December 10, 2023

Dustin should no longer be allowed to vote

If LeBron James was far from having a unanimous MVP, we imagine that the frustration could have been significant if this journalist’s vote had been decisive. This shows that the current system is still far from perfect.