LeBron James is not ready to give up his crown just yet.
James took to social media on Thursday to scoff at an anonymous poll of NBA executives and scouts by ESPN about who the best player in the league is today.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant each received five votes. James didn't receive any.
James, who will turn 37 this season, tweeted that it only created more motivation for him.
James also posted screenshots of the results to his Instagram story, writing "#WashedKing" in one and posting the crying-laughing emoji in another.
It's not as if James wasn't considered at all for the title. One Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that James or Durant could be considered the best players in the league, but Antetokounmpo has an edge in injury history and age.
"You can certainly argue for Durant and LeBron [James], but between injury and age, can they consistently do it?" the executive said.
They're fair questions as it relates to James. The once-immortal point forward has missed significant time to injury in two of the past three seasons. Entering his 19th season, with more minutes played than all but two players in league history, it's unclear if James can summon an MVP-level effort for 82 games or even stay on the floor consistently.
Of course, we're also not far removed from James being in MVP consideration for the first half of the 2020-21 season. James may not have his unstoppable first step or the ability to rise high above the rim anymore, but he's still an all-world offensive player thanks to his playmaking and improved shooting. And he is certainly capable of creating his own shot when he senses an advantage.
