LeBron: Curry proves I can win MVP despite limited minutes

It's widely expected that the Cleveland Cavaliers will give LeBron James ample rest in an effort to keep The King fresh for another near-inevitable Finals appearance.

Playing fewer minutes could dampen James' per-game production, possibly hurting his MVP candidacy in the eyes of voters, but James doesn't want people to write him off just yet.

James answered "no" when asked Saturday if rest would hurt his case for a fifth MVP award, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. He clarified, "Because Steph (Curry) played 31 minutes a game and he won the MVP."

Curry, the two-time reigning MVP, actually played 33 and 34 minutes in his last two seasons, but James' point stands. It's possible to both rest, and to win the MVP award.

Of course, Curry also led the Golden State Warriors to 67 and 73 wins in consecutive seasons. With that type of success, it doesn't matter if Curry logged less time than other superstars.

James, on the other hand, has seen his workload steadily decline since his late 20s in an effort to preserve himself for deep playoff runs. He set a new career low in minutes during each of his last two seasons (36.1 then 35.6), although his per-game averages remain otherworldly.

With four MVPs earned between 2008 and 2013, James is tied with Wilt Chamberlain for third all time. Michael Jordan and Bill Russell have five each, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has six.