NBA: James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard on MVP shortlist, LeBron James ignored

Four-time league MVP LeBron James’s name was left off the list of nominees for the NBA Most Valuable Player award when the finalists were announced on Friday. [caption id=“attachment_3396096” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James. AP[/caption] The Cleveland Cavaliers forward, who fell one vote shy of being a unanimous selection as a first team All-NBA selection this year, did not make the final three — finishing behind Houston Rockets guard James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who won the past two MVP awards, was also not among the finalists. Awards to be handed out on 26 June in the other five main categories include, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year. Additional awards will include an All-Rookie Team, an All-Defensive Team, Executive of the Year, Teammate of the Year and Sportsmanship Award.