LeBron James is often described as one of the best NBA players of all time, a fact that doesn't appear to be lost on the Cleveland Cavaliers star even with his team facing elimination from the NBA Finals by the Golden State Warriors.

"I'm confident because I'm the best player in the world," James said matter of factly following the Cavaliers' 105-91 loss Sunday to the Warriors in Game 5. "It's that simple."

He might not be wrong, but it's the first time he's made such a bold statement -- not that anyone is questioning his logic.

James is a two-time NBA Finals most valuable player, four-time NBA most valuable player, NBA scoring champion and perennial All-Star. He's even got a pair of Olympic gold medals.

The Akron, Ohio-born star has reached the NBA Finals six times, including the last five years in a row, and even if his team fails to win the championship, he's a strong candidate to claim another NBA Finals MVP as a member of the losing team -- a feat Jerry West last accomplished in 1969.

Now that he lost Game 6 on Tuesday, it's doubtful that James will have a change of mind - even if Stephen Curry is the new, reigning MVP.

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