Prior to the highly anticipated Warriors-Lakers basketball game, LeBron James nominated Steph Curry for the 2020-2021 MVP award. The Golden State Warriors player acknowledged James' words, saying he’s honored by the recommendation.

“Obviously, I’m appreciative,” Curry said via a video conference on Tuesday, according to NBC Sports. ”He knows when he says something that people pay attention. So for him to speak on my MVP candidacy is definitely  — I respect him for it, I appreciate it.” 

Ahead of Wednesday night’s No. 7/No. 8 seed play-in game for the Western Conference, James insisted that Curry, who he has “a level of respect for outside of basketball,” deserves the MVP title. 

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"For our paths to continue to cross in our careers is pretty unique and pretty cool," the Lakers star said during a press conference. "It's always been a level of respect that's even beyond the game of basketball, the way I feel for Steph. Just look what he's done this year. Everybody counted him out this year. Everybody saying now that Klay is hurt, can Steph lead a team on his own, can he carry a team into the postseason, can he keep a team afloat, he's done that and more.”

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“If you're looking for MVP, if Steph is not on Golden State's team, what are we looking at? We get caught up in the record sometimes instead of just saying, 'who had the best season that year?' And Steph has had, in my opinion, the best season all year,” he continued.

According to NBC Sports, Curry averaged 37.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 43.7 percent from the 3-point range on nearly 15 attempts per night from April 1 through May 16. He also has remarkable stats for the 2020-2021 season, which include breaking the Warriors' all-time scoring record.

When asked if James’ MVP suggestion will affect the competition, Curry responded that it would have no bearing on how they treat one another on the court.  

“We all know as competitors, though, when the lights are on, I can talk about how great he is until I’m blue in the face and he could do the same,” Curry said. “It doesn’t change how we approach that competition when we’re out there. I won’t be giving him a pass because he likes the way I played this year and vice-versa.”

“It’s great for the entertainment value of what we do,” he added. “I kinda love the chatter because it’s hilarious and it’s all small at the same time but it’ll make for a good show tomorrow.”