LeBron James all but conceded the Most Valuable Player award to Kevin Durant on Wednesday, praising the Oklahoma City Thunder forward as the most deserving candidate.

"I think K.D. has had one heck of a season, and if he was rewarded with the MVP, it would be great," James said. "It would be awesome for him, for his family. It would be a great thing for him. He has played MVP-type basketball. The most consistent basketball player as far as MVP this year. He has put up some great numbers."

Durant has averaged 32 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists this season while James has averaged 26.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists.