National Basketball Association

LeBron James: 'I'm the best player in the world'

Published Jun. 15, 2015 12:20 a.m. ET

foxsports

LeBron James is usually a very humble player who credits his teammates and opponents as much as he sings his own praises. Despite being a four-time MVP, he does not have a big head, and that appeals to people who like watching the team game and James’ unselfish ways. But after Sunday’s Game 5 loss to the Warriors in the NBA Finals, James said something we’ve never heard him say:

“I’m the best player in the world.”

You got that? LeBron is not worried about Game 6 or 7 because he knows he’s the best player in the world. He said that in response to a question about him possibly feeling less pressure.

Usually that type of confidence is reserved for guys like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, but now James is saying it. It’s this sort of alpha male mentality that we’re seeing from him on the court in the Finals. He is carrying his team like he knows he’s the best player in the game and like he knows they need him to do everything.

That quote from James is also why I believe his “secret motivation” has to do with finishing third in NBA MVP voting.

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