LeBron James has heaped praise on Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry ahead of the start of the NBA Finals.

James's Cleveland Cavaliers will face the MVP and the Western Conference champions when the series gets underway on Thursday.

The four-time MVP said at a press conference: "You can't [slow him down]. He has a great motor. I think a lot of people don't understand how great his motor is. He never stops moving. His ballhandling, his ability to shoot the ball off the dribble and off the catch. It's uncanny.

"I don't think there's ever been a guy in the league to shoot the ball the way he does off the dribble or off the catch, off the ball. He just creates so many matchup problems for your defense, and you just always have to be aware.

"I think it's great for our league. Steph is great for our league, the way he approaches not only everything on the floor, but off the floor. He's got a beautiful family and everything, so, I mean, it wouldn't be bad for our league at all if they want to model it behind him. He's great for our league."

Curry has averaged 29.2 point per game in 15 post-season appearances for the Warriors this year.