LeBron James Comments on Not Winning Unanimous NBA MVP in 2012-13

On the heels of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry being named the first unanimous MVP in NBA history Tuesday, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James reflected on his nearly clean sweep in 2012-13. 

LeBron fell one vote short of perfection following a season that saw him register 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game for the Miami Heat. According to Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com, King James wasn't happy about the perceived slight when it happened initially: "I was heated. But I knew all along [I wasn't getting a unanimous vote]. I just knew it, man."

The fact that New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony garnered a first-place vote may have ultimately been a positive for the four-time MVP, though, as it fueled him to win his second consecutive championship: "It just pushed me harder. That's all. It motivated me further."

Per ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Curry took all 131 first-place votes, which put him ahead of San Antonio Spurs wingman Kawhi Leonard, as well as James.

LeBron's comments come after he openly questioned the meaning of the MVP award Wednesday, according to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com):

"

I think sometimes the word 'valuable' or best player of the year, you can have different results. You know, that's not taking anything from anyone that's ever won the award.

Look at Steph's numbers. He averaged 30, he led the league in steals, he was 90-50-40 [shooting percentages from the free throw line, field and beyond the 3-point line], and they won 73 [games]. So, I don't -- do you have any debate over that, really, when it comes to that award? But when you talk about most 'valuable,' then you can have a different conversation. So take nothing away from him. He's definitely deserving of that award, for sure.

"

There is no denying the impact Curry had on the Warriors and the NBA as a whole during the regular season, and it is difficult to argue against the notion that he deserved to be the unanimous MVP.

James may well have deserved that honor a few years ago, but the definition of "valuable" may have worked against him, as Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe felt Melo had more value that season.

LeBron used the motivation of not winning the MVP unanimously to guide him to a championship once, and now that Curry has taken that honor, perhaps King James will go back to the well in hopes of leading the Cavs to their first NBA championship.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.