Stephen Curry made NBA history this week when he was named the first ever unanimous MVP. When asked about Curry winning the award for a second consecutive season, LeBron James seemed a little bitter.
LeBron praised Curry for being “deserving” of the MVP, but there was more to it than that. After rattling off a bunch of Curry’s incredible stats and saying there isn’t much debate about him winning that particular award, James had the following to say.
“When you talk about most valuable, then you can have a different conversation. Take nothing away from him. He’s definitely deserving of that award for sure.”
What exactly was LeBron getting at? We’re guessing he was hinting that the MVP award isn’t always given to the actual most valuable player. Without Curry, the Warriors would probably still be one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Without LeBron, the Cavaliers might not even make the postseason.
On Friday, Curry was asked about LeBron’s comments.
“I’ve gotten really good at ignoring people,” Curry said with a straight face, via a video on ESPN.com. “That is the theme of the last two years, so I’m alright.”
What Curry has done over the past two seasons is amazing. You could have the “discussion” LeBron was referring to with any sport. The MVP award is actually treated like more of a player of the year award. LeBron probably is more valuable to the Cavs than Curry is to the Warriors. He has also been very complimentary of Curry in the past, so it’s not like there’s a heated rivalry there.
Was there a hint of jealousy behind what LeBron said? We certainly wouldn’t rule that out.
Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
