Monday's Matchup With Lakers Proves Big For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Race

If the Oklahoma City Thunder can pull off a road win in Los Angeles, it could define Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP season.

The OKC Thunder (42-18) own the best record in the Western Conference being led by superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. According to FanDuel, the two-time All-Star is second in MVP odds, he can really boost his case with a win on Monday.

Less than 24 hours after knocking off the Phoenix Suns on the road on National Television, the OKC Thunder star has another game on the big stage. 

Taking on the biggest brand in the sport and the biggest star in the sport, Gilgeous-Alexander has a shot to down the Lakers - and LeBron James - on NBA TV with the NBA universe watching the best game in that time slot. 

If Gilgeous-Alexander can muster up yet another massive scoring output with the defensive impact to go along with it to extend the Thunder's lead in first place despite being at a rest disadvantage, there will be little doubt who the leader in the clubhouse should be for the Most Valuable Players. 

So far this season the 25-year-old is averaging 31.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, nearly a block, and a league-best 2.1 steals per game. This to go along with his jaw-dropping efficiency turning in 54 percent shooting from the floor, stroking the trey ball at a 38 percent clip and 88 percent at the charity stripe. 

The All-Star Starter has dominated on both ends of the floor and put his young Thunder squad in a position to host a playoff series, while also engineering a top-five offense and defense in the process. 

A win on Monday over the Los Angeles Lakers, with projecting the Thunder taking care of Portland on Wednesday, gives them the inside lane to finish the season as the best team in the conference. In that event, Gilgeous-Alexander should be handed the Most Valuable Player Award. 

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