Maybe Next Year, LeBron—Kobe Bryant's the MVP

In the last 25 years, only two players have gotten MVP playing on a team with less than 55 wins. Michael Jordan, who led the league in over nine different categories, while also winning defensive player of the year, got the MVP in '88 with 50 wins, and Nash got it while "only" winning 54 games two seasons ago.

Now, Lebron's game is tight, but it isn't as tight as Jordan in '88.

That means the King needs to get to 54 wins to really have an argument. It doesn't help that his team would be in 10th place in the West.

That's right. If he played in the West, his team wouldn't even make the playoffs.

This is huge. I mean, think about it.

If a player in the West has to at least make the playoffs to be a legit MVP candidate, then why would a player who plays in an easier conference be an MVP candidate when they wouldn't make the playoffs in the other conference?

Look, I'm not saying that Lebron has to play on a team that would be elite in both conferences, but at least be on a team that would be in the top eight.

In the last 25 years, every single MVP played on a team that would've made the playoffs in both conferences.

Lebron understands. When asked about his MVP chances, he responded, "I know I don't have a shot if Kobe's never won it."

So why Kobe?

Well, because he changed the mindset of a mediocre team to one that has championship aspirations.

The guy was tired of simply getting into the playoffs. He doesn't play for the playoffs, he plays for championships.

Give credit to Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, and Sasha Vujacic for coming ready to play this season, but give Kobe credit for being relentless and unsatisfied with anything less than a championship-caliber ball club.

And I'm not talking about Kobe's trade demands or his ametur video calling out AB17.

I'm talking about the only thing he said when he was introduced at training camp: "Hi, I'm Kobe Bryant, and I want to win a championship now."

I'm talking about trimming his usage rate and shot attempts to allow others to showcase their skills. I'm talking about his DPOY-worthy defense this year. I'm talking about leadership, baby!

Kobe's energy, drive, and killer instict have been infectious on this Laker ball club and they're good. Damn good.

The transformation has been amazing.

The Lakers have gone from the seventh best offense and the 24th best defense last year to the second best offense and the fifth best defense this year.

The improvement has shown in the results as the Lakers currently sit atop the Western Conference in what is perhaps the most competitive season ever. 

Then, there is the Pau Gasol factor.

Pau was a steal, but consider this: when they are on the floor together, Pau has the highest true shooting percentage of his career. When Kobe is not on the floor, he shoots the worst true shooting percentage of his career.

Of course, 10 games is a small sample, but it shows how playing with Kobe can elevate your game so seamlessly, even in a new and unfamiliar system. 

Yeah, yeah. But what about Kobe's statistics?

Kobe stats are fine.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?