Curry: I'm not playing for LeBron's throne, just rings

While exposure is the fuel that drives some of the NBA's elite, Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry could care less about his popularity.

"It's really annoying for me to be - that's not what I'm playing for, to be the face of the NBA or to be this or that or to take LeBron's throne or whatever," Curry said. "You know, I'm trying to chase rings, and that's all I'm about. So that's where the conversation stops for me."

The debate over the league's pre-eminent player has become a hot topic since Curry's sudden rise in 2014-15. While the average fan will likely continue to dispute Curry's greatness, the two-time MVP called the constant ranking and comparisons "annoying."

Whether he cares about it or not, there's no questioning Curry's popularity.

The reigning two-time MVP finished first in jersey sales this season after overtaking LeBron during last year's playoffs.

However, it may still be a while before Curry overtakes LeBron in popularity on a global scale, as a recent ESPN list ranked "King James" as the world's second most recognizable athlete.