Kobe Bryant Named NBA MVP

When Kobe Bryant averages 28.3 points per game and leads his team to the best record in a tight, parity-stricken Western Conference, he kind of deserves the NBA's MVP award.

This 2007-2008 season looks to be about the quietest experience anyone can have while topping 28 points per. Bryant hasn't been involved in any off-court problems. The media hasn't picked up on any animosity between Bryant and fellow teammates. Bryant also seems to function well with his coach, Phil Jackson.

This is all new. In past seasons, Bryant has shown arrogance, selfishness and pettiness while helping Shaquille O'Neal and the Lakers to three straight titles. He was the major reason why the Lakers failed to win a fourth in 2004.

Surprisingly, he has made a comeback with a team of role players. No other Laker made the 2007-2008 All-Star roster, and no other Laker cracked the top-50 in scoring average. For this season, Bryant is the team's only star.

The Lakers' success and Bryant's ascension to MVP status is a tribute to the whole Laker team, the whole Laker organization and Jackson. None of this would have happened without Jackson's deft input.

That doesn't mean that Bryant doesn't deserve his award. It does mean he had a lot of valuable help.