LeBron James has described Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving as "two of the best ball handlers" ever to play in the league ahead of the start of this year's NBA Finals.

The Golden State Warriors point guard was named the NBA MVP for the first time this season, while Irving has averaged 18.7 points per game during the playoffs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers forward said during the Finals media day: "They are two of the best ball handlers that this league has ever seen.

"Their ability to make shots off the handle, Steph's ability to use his handle to get off shots, those step-backs and Kyrie's ability to be crafty, use his ability to get into the lane and make shots. When you have a handle like that, you can pretty much get any shot you want, and they both show you that.

"With their speed, their change of pace, their ballhandling, and then their ability to shoot the ball. They can absolutely just shoot the rock."

Game one of the Finals between the Cavaliers and the Warriors takes place at the Oracle Arena later today.