LeBron James: Stephen Curry's MVP award is 'well deserved'

LeBron James said Stephen Curry being named NBA Most Valuable Player is 'well deserved.'

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was named NBA Most Valuable Player on Monday, and LeBron James told reporters the award is "well deserved" by Curry, according to the Plain Dealer in Cleveland.

James, who received five first-place votes and finished third in the voting, said he was happy to see someone else from Akron, Ohio, win the award. Curry and James were both born in the city.

"I think it's great that another kid born in Akron, Ohio can win an MVP," said James. 

A four-time NBA MVP, the Cavaliers forward said he isn't disappointed about where he placed this year, according to the Plain Dealer.

"If I was on social media, if my phone was on I would've definitely congratulated him a lot," James said of Curry. "I think it's well deserved. I mean you see, first of all, the team success, that's the first thing that pops out. Franchise record in wins, tied a franchise record for home wins, I think they even broke it at 39–2.

• MAHONEY: Stephen Curry, the NBA's impossibly good MVP

Curry was named the MVP after averaging 23.8 points in 80 games, adding 7.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds and shooting 44.3% from three. The Warriors went 67–15 in the regular season, the first time in franchise history that the team notched 60 wins in the regular season.

Golden State took Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, with Curry scoring 22 points.

Cleveland hosts the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night.

- Jack Jorgensen