Even this year, Bryant's selection as MVP will get some argument. New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, playing in far less limelight, helped the Hornets go from four games under .500 last season to 30 games over this season. The postseason doesn't count for MVP consideration, but Paul and the Hornets are rampaging through the West playoffs and have defending champion San Antonio reeling in their second-round series. (New Orleans leads 2-0.)
But Bryant earned this. Despite all the petulant posturing last offseason, he stayed in L.A. Admittedly, the cast around him improved, but he showed he could both score and give up the ball. He played all 82 games despite suffering a ligament injury in a pinkie finger in February. It was recommended that Bryant have surgery, but he's postponing that until after the Summer Olympics.
Bryant's numbers were certainly MVP-caliber. He averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists. But he has scored more points, even had more rebounds and assists, in previous seasons.
