LeBron James Makes His Case for OG Anunoby
LeBron James has reignited the debate over the New York Knicks’ historic NBA championship after backing OG Anunoby over Jalen Brunson for the 2026 Finals MVP award.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend, now a Philadelphia 76ers forward, believes Anunoby’s consistency, defensive impact and clutch contributions made him the Knicks’ most valuable player throughout their championship series against the San Antonio Spurs. His comments have reopened a discussion that seemed settled when Brunson lifted the Bill Russell Trophy in June.
And honestly, this is exactly the sort of debate that makes basketball fascinating. Brunson was New York’s undisputed offensive leader, but Anunoby delivered some of the defining moments of the championship run. The question is whether the player who carries a team should always receive the individual recognition, or whether the most consistently impactful player deserves equal consideration.
LeBron James Makes His Case for OG Anunoby
James explained his position on the Mind the Game podcast, highlighting the moments that made Anunoby stand out during the Finals.
“OG, I think, was the MVP of the team in the Finals. Obviously, Brunson became the MVP. But it’s the small things: the chase-down block on Fox, the tip for the game, continuing to knock down threes,” James said. “We knew Jalen Brunson was the head of the snake. But I think OG was the most steady person for that team”
That is a fascinating assessment from someone who knows better than most what championship basketball demands. James has spent his career carrying enormous offensive responsibilities while depending on teammates to make crucial plays, defend elite scorers and deliver when the game is on the line.
His argument is not that Brunson was unimportant. Instead, James believes Anunoby’s steady contributions were worthy of the highest individual recognition, even if the point guard ultimately received the award.
And there is a strong case to examine.
Anunoby’s Game 4 Heroics Were Championship Defining
If there was one moment that strengthened Anunoby’s argument, it came during Game 4 against San Antonio.
With the game hanging in the balance, Anunoby chased down De’Aaron Fox and blocked his attempt before returning to the play and tipping in Brunson’s missed three-pointer. The basket gave New York a dramatic 107-106 victory with 2.1 seconds remaining, putting the Knicks 3-1 ahead in the series.
Think about the pressure involved in that sequence.
A single defensive mistake could have changed the result, while a missed opportunity at the other end might have allowed the Spurs to force a different finish. Anunoby delivered at both ends, producing the sort of sequence that supporters will remember long after the details of individual box scores have faded.
For Knicks fans, that play became a symbol of the championship team’s identity. It was not simply about one superstar scoring 40 points. It was about players making winning contributions when the margin for error disappeared.
Anunoby also offered much more than one spectacular sequence. His defense, outside shooting and ability to operate without dominating the ball made him an essential part of New York’s system.
During the playoffs, Anunoby averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 48.9% from three-point range. Those numbers underline why James’ praise deserves serious consideration.
However, there is a difference between being the most dependable player and being the most valuable player. That distinction is where this debate becomes interesting.
Why Jalen Brunson Still Deserved Finals MVP
For all the appreciation Anunoby deserves, it would be unfair to suggest Brunson’s Finals MVP award was simply a popularity contest.
Brunson was the offensive engine behind New York’s championship run, repeatedly taking responsibility when the Knicks needed someone to create a scoring opportunity. His ability to manufacture shots, draw defenders and deliver under pressure was central to the team’s success.
His performance in Game 5 provided the clearest evidence.
Brunson scored 45 points as the Knicks defeated the Spurs 94-90 to secure their first championship since 1973. He shot 14-of-27 from the field and scored 29 points in the second half, helping New York overcome a substantial deficit and close out the series on the road.
Those are not ordinary championship-clinching numbers.
Brunson was also the Finals’ leading scorer, averaging 32.6 points per game. His ability to deliver when the stakes were highest made him a compelling choice for the award.
My view is that Brunson deserved the trophy. When a team’s leading scorer repeatedly rescues possessions, controls the offense and produces a 45-point performance to seal the championship, that contribution is incredibly difficult to overlook.
Anunoby deserves enormous credit, but Brunson’s offensive burden was different. He was the player New York trusted to make something happen when the offense stalled and the pressure intensified.
Still, recognizing Brunson’s value should not mean diminishing Anunoby’s contribution.
The Knicks Won Because They Had More Than One Star
The bigger story here is what the disagreement reveals about the Knicks.
For years, New York searched for a team capable of competing for the NBA’s biggest prize. Winning the championship required more than finding a leading scorer. It required assembling a group whose strengths complemented one another.
Brunson supplied the shot creation and leadership. Anunoby brought two-way excellence. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed scoring, rebounding and playmaking, while Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges filled important roles around the core.
That balance became especially important during the postseason, when opponents could focus their defensive attention on Brunson.
If the Spurs committed too many resources to stopping him, other Knicks could punish them. If they allowed Brunson room to operate, he had the ability to take over games himself.
Anunoby’s versatility made that decision even more difficult.
The championship run also represented a historic achievement for a franchise that had waited 53 years for another NBA title. The Knicks finished the postseason with a 16-3 record, demonstrating how effectively they combined star performances with contributions from across the roster.
That is why James’ comments should be viewed as praise for the team’s depth rather than an attempt to discredit Brunson.
The Knicks needed both players. Remove Brunson’s scoring, and their offense looks very different. Remove Anunoby’s defense and timely shooting, and the championship becomes much harder to imagine.
What LeBron’s Opinion Means for New York
James’ opinion carries weight because he has experienced the challenge of winning championships with different teammates and playing styles. He understands that the most valuable player is not always the one who leads every statistical category.
Nevertheless, his assessment remains an opinion, not proof that the voters made the wrong decision.
Anunoby’s defensive impact and defining Game 4 moment make his case legitimate. Brunson’s scoring, leadership and outstanding closeout performance make his selection equally understandable.
The debate also gives New York another reason to appreciate its championship core as the Knicks begin their title defense. The challenge now is not deciding which teammate deserves more recognition for last season. It is finding a way to reproduce the collective effort that made the championship possible.
If Anunoby continues providing elite defense and dependable shooting while Brunson remains the team’s offensive leader, the Knicks will have plenty to build on.
And if their supporting cast continues delivering in decisive moments, New York could become an even more difficult opponent to stop.
Final Verdict: Brunson Won the Award, but Anunoby Deserves the Debate
LeBron James has offered Knicks fans an argument worth discussing, but I would still give Brunson the Finals MVP trophy.
His 45-point performance in the decisive game, combined with his scoring throughout the series, makes his selection difficult to dispute. Anunoby, however, was much more than a supporting player. His defense, shooting and extraordinary Game 4 sequence helped turn a championship dream into reality.
The beauty of this debate is that the Knicks do not need to choose between appreciating their two stars.
Brunson can be the deserving Finals MVP while Anunoby remains one of the most important players in the championship story. Both can be true.
But what do you think? Did LeBron James make a convincing case for OG Anunoby, or was Jalen Brunson unquestionably the right choice for Finals MVP?