LeBron James Says He’s the NBA MVP – Is He?

James may be the NBA's best overall player, but that doesn't necessarily make him the most valuable.

LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
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LeBron James is skilled with many things – but being modest isn’t one of ‘em.

When the four-time MVP was asked who he would nominate for this year’s award, James said he had himself in mind for the honor.

“I would vote for me,” James told The Associated Press. “The body of work, how I’m doing it, what’s been happening with our team all year long, how we’ve got so many injuries and things of that nature, guys in and out, to be able to still keep this thing afloat, I definitely would vote me.”

James, who last won the award following the 2012-13 season, is currently averaging  27.4 points, 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds on 55 percent shooting. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Despite those stats, James Harden of the league-leading Houston Rockets is the overwhelming favorite to take home the award. The Cavs are currently battling for the No. 3 spot in the East, a position that hurts James’ chances in the race for MVP, according to Nick Schwartz of For The Win.

“Whether or not you believe LeBron James is the 2018 MVP largely comes down to how much you value team success,” Schwartz writes. “It’s likely that every player in the league would tell you James is the best overall player, but that doesn’t necessarily make him a worthy MVP by the standards that have been set over the years.”

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