LeBron James Is the Best Basketball Player in the World, According to LeBron James

— -- Well, that settles it.

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James remained steadfast following his team’s 104-91 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals Sunday.

"I feel confident because I'm the best player in the world," James said during his post-game press conference. “It’s that simple.”

A cocky statement? Sure.

But James is right.

James has backed up his self-assuredness on the court. He recorded 40 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists Sunday, his second triple-double of the series. Only Jerry West in 1969 has ever matched those numbers in an NBA Finals game. West remains the only player on a losing team to be named Finals MVP.

James stepped up his production after two of his team’s key players, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, were lost to injuries.

Despite James’ tenacity, Golden State, with the reigning regular season MVP, Stephen Curry, has taken the series lead. Curry made seven 3-pointers Sunday and scored 37 points, leaving the Warriors one win away from the team’s first championship since 1975.

The city of Cleveland, meanwhile, hasn't won a major sports championship since 1964. But with the self-proclaimed best player in the world ... who knows?