I'm not writing this article to try and persuade any readers that they should vote one way or another on the NBA Most Valuable Player.
The award is not even that vital, since all three players up for it are vying for a championship, and could probably care less about the MVP at this point in the season.
That said, there have been three individuals this year whose performances have far exceeded the competition. Let's take a look at the candidates.
LeBron James
Right now James is the favorite to win the award.
Since beginning with the league, he has been groomed to be the new "golden boy" after image problems plagued the NBA in the late 90s, early 21st century.
LeBron is having an incredible statistical year, averaging nearly 31 points, over eight rebounds, and more than seven assists per game. These numbers are unheard of.
Not only can he score at will, but James is willing to pass even though his teammates are average at best.
LeBron has led Cleveland so far to a record of 40-32, right now the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. This year more than any, LeBron has found a way to take over a game in the fourth quarter.
The Cleveland Cavs are even 17-13 against the loaded Western Conference. Unfortunately, that also means they are just 23-19 against the East.
The Cavs have lost three times apiece to both New Jersey and Milwaukee, two teams that Cleveland should beat regularly.
In addition, James' jump shot is still not where he'd like it to be. I realize he's only 23 years old, but if we're considering him for MVP, I'm still skeptical giving the ball to LeBron as time expires knowing the Cavs only have time for a jumper
He has an uncanny ability to get to the rim, but if time is winding down, I'm still not sold that his J is going to drop. LeBron's defense is also a major issue.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe is by far the best two-way player in the NBA.
Although his shot selection could use major improvement, he is able to make almost any shot on the floor. A bad shot for anyone else is a good shot for Kobe.
Kobe cannot attack the rim quite like LeBron, but with the game winding down, I'm actually confident that Kobe can hit a turnaround fadeaway while being double-covered.
Bryant is averaging about 28 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game this year. These numbers might not be up to LeBron's, but the competition Kobe sees on a night-in-night-out basis is far superior.
Playing in the West, Kobe does not get a night off. Nearly every game is against a playoff contender, and even the Blazers and Kings are not sure wins. At one game back of the West lead, the Lakers sit at 49-23, including a record of 30-13 against the West.
The case against Kobe is unfortunate: he has great talent surrounding him.
While LeBron plays alongside the likes of Zydrunas Ilgauaskas, Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West, Kobe gets to suit up nightly with Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum (that lineup will be real scary when it happens).
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