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LeBron James: Kevin Durant deserves MVP

LeBron James is widely expected to finish second in MVP voting behind Kevin Durant, breaking a streak of two consecutive years and four of the last five for James. (Layne Murdoch)

LeBron James is widely expected to finish second behind Kevin Durant, breaking a streak of two consecutive years and four of the last five. (Layne Murdoch)

Reigning MVP LeBron James gave perhaps his most vocal support on Monday for Kevin Durant being named this year's Most Valuable Player, saying the Oklahoma City star deserves the award after a "big time" season.

The award is expected to be formally announced by the league later in the week, reportedly as early as Tuesday during a press conference scheduled by the NBA.

On Monday, James, a four-time MVP, commented on Durant's year to the Associated Press:

"Much respect to him and he deserves it. He had a big-time MVP season."

Durant averaged 32 points per game on 50 percent shooting, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.3 steals in leading Oklahoma City to the second best record in the Western Conference -- behind the San Antonio Spurs -- and second overall in the league with a 59-23 record.

The Thunder open their second round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

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