Photo: businessinsider.com

The top teams of the East and West will face each other tonight as the Lakers take on the Bucks. It could be a potential Finals prelude, but this game will be crucial for LeBron James’ chances of winning his fifth MVP title.

“LeBron could average 35 & 10 the rest of the way and still not win MVP. … If LeBron’s going to have any chance at his 5th MVP, tying Jordan and Russell, he has to play great tonight, Giannis has to struggle, the Lakers have to win & he has to follow it up Sunday,” sports analyst Nick Wright said.

The four-time MVP is averaging 25.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game in his 17th season in the NBA.