M.V.P. Is Spelled K.O.B.E.

But despite all of these great happenings, the main thing getting media attention these days is who will be M.V.P. when the dust settles on this historic season. There are four names in serious contention: Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett, Lebron James, and my pick, Kobe Bryant.

I know, I know, everyone and their mother has an opinion on who should win the award. It’s been established that there is no set criteria for winning. Yes it’s a popularity contest. Yes, I know that Lebron James has Oscar Robertson numbers and Kevin Garnett has made the Celtics relevant again, and Chris Paul is playing the PG position better than anyone ever has (thank you Bill Simmons).

I have been a lifelong Lakers fan, so one would assume that I’m a little biased but hear me out. During last summer’s off-season when Kobe was demanding to be traded, I had had enough. I was tired of his spoiled outbursts, the drama, the negative attitude, and most of all, I was tired of getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs. I distinctly remember saying to myself, “Maybe we’d be better off without Kobe.” Now, how many of the aforementioned candidates were you saying that about before the season started? None!

The Lakers went into the ’08 season destined to bomb. Everyone was writing them off, including myself. I was ready for a trade which netted a few young prospects and draft picks, and I braced myself for years of rebuilding. Instead, Kobe has saved not only himself and his reputation, but the Lakers franchise.

It’s been stated before Kobe is doing all the things that have been asked of him over the years.