The race for NBA MVP is a tight one. LeBron James and Kevin Durant are battling it out in these final regular-season games to see who can come out the better player before the playoffs. The race is almost too close to call as both stars have carried their teams for much of the season. However, James is fully confident that Durant earns the title over him, something he welcomes.

Durant has been the fronrunner for most of the season. Prior to Tuesday, he had scored at least 25 points in 41 consecutive games. He is on pace for another scoring title. He is currently averaging 32 points and 5.6 assists per game, both career-highs. With Russell Westbrook in and out of the lineup, Durant has carrier the Thunder to their second place in the Western Conference and James is noticing. 

"I would say he's the most consistent basketball player as far as the MVP this year, man," James said, via ESPN.com. "He's put up some great numbers.  think KD has had one heck of a season. And, you know, if he's rewarded with the MVP, it would be great. It would be awesome for him, for his family. He's played MVP-type basketball. I don't really get caught up into what people say. At the end of the day, they have their own votes and they go from there."

James is a four-time MVP winner, earning the last two. Durant has finished second to James the past three seasons. James has seen his numbers dip off slightly this year, but are still impressive none the less. He is averaging 26.9 points and 6.9 rebounds. He has played most of the season without Dwyane Wade who has missed his 27th game of the season against the Grizzlies. James has had to adjust his playing style without Wade, something he is concerned might hurt the team in the playoffs. 

The Heat currently have the top spot in the Eastern Conference, but a loss to Memphis is hurting momentum. James can only do so much for so long and he knows it. If Miami is going to win a third straight championship, they need Wade to be back in the lineup and be productive.