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Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Apparently, LeBron James was tired of all the talk about how this season's MVP race was going to be more contentious than most.

The King played brilliant ball over the past week, but a couple of new challengers to his throne emerged nonetheless. Kevin Love's statistical dominance made him the biggest mover of the week, while Chris Paul continued his remarkable double-double streak, solidifying his position in the top three spots.

Meanwhile, the chaos reigning in the Big Apple was finally enough to cost Carmelo Anthony a position in the top 10. The New York Knicks' ongoing disaster isn't entirely his fault, but as the resident superstar, a big portion of the blame belongs to 'Melo.

A high-flying forward from the opposite coast makes his first appearance in the top 10 as a result of Anthony's demotion.

Elsewhere on the list, a rough week hurt Kevin Durant's odds, Paul George's Indiana Pacers finally looked vulnerable, and the Golden State Warriors' ascent was good news for Stephen Curry.

The MVP race remains nip and tuck, but a few candidates look like they're ready to give James a run for his money this year. We'll see how much longer LBJ allows them to cling to those hopes.

*Stats accurate through games played Nov. 17