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).
The fact that Kobe is flanked by all-stars has critics saying that he isn't carrying the team the way LeBron is.
While the Lakers are by no means the one-man team they were a few years ago, the competition in the West is so demanding that no one is getting through without a plethora of stars. Put the Cavs in the West and I'd like to see them get in the playoffs.
While Kobe has not single-handedly led his team this year, it is by far the best "team" ball he has played in his career.
Chris Paul
Raise your hand if you had the Hornets at 49-21 and leading the West with just a couple weeks to go.
Okay, good, no one.
While Paul is also surrounded by superior talent, sporting arguably the best starting five in the NBA, there is no doubting Paul's contributions to this team.
The point guard from Wake Forest is averaging just under 22 points per game, to go along with four rebounds and 11.5 assists.
His most important statistic, however, is that his assist/turnover ratio is over 4.5. That is unheard of for someone who handles the ball as much as CP3.
Not only is he an incredible decision maker, but he does not make mistakes.
Paul is shooting nearly 50 percent, higher than both LeBron and Kobe. Did I mention that Paul has led the Hornets so far to the best record in NBA's best conference? Incredible for a team that did not even make the postseason last year.
The fact that Paul is not the dominant scorer that LeBron and Kobe are may hurt him in the long run.
When we think of great plays down the stretch this year, a lot of those are LeBron or Kobe getting a bucket in the final seconds. Chris Paul has fewer of these moments. But that isn't to say he doesn't have a flair for the dramatic.
Last night in Cleveland, after LeBron put the Cavs up one with seven seconds to play, Paul splits the defense, draws a double team, and kicks the ball to David West for the game-winner. Unfortunately, West will be the one getting the credit here, and not Paul.
With no disrespect to Kevin Garnett, I believe the other three candidates have just had far superior seasons. Garnett should be a consideration, but will most likely finish fourth in the voting.
So there are the three choices for MVP, and all are more than worthy of winning the award. But at the end of the day, none of those players will be happy if they don't end the season with a ring.
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5 months ago
LBJ is great in the clutch,Id give him the ball over anyone in the league with time expiring,and his defense is far from suspect.. He will make a run for all defensive team when its all said and done...I agree with competition in the West being strong but don't forget that any teams in the West right now would only be a 3rd seed in the east.. Paul has made a serious case for it though,although I don't think he will get the votes.. The names Kobe and LeBron are just to recognized in comparison to Chris.. I think it's still a two man race,with Paul getting an honorable mention when it's all said and done...
5 months ago
Good article. LeBron has great numbers and is carrying his team.
5 months ago
I'll gladly give the ball to LeBron in the closing seconds, but if you know that the shot has to be a jumper, I'm not confident it goes in. If he has enough time to get to the rim, definitely. Also his D is improving, but Kobe's is far superior.
5 months ago
lebron? hes only 8 games over 500 ...in the east ....smh ...kobe hands down
5 months ago
Player for player Kobe is the better one. Not taking anything away from Lebron though, he is a sensational player. As for the MVP, Lebron deserves that Hands Down, No Questions Asked..
5 months ago
Gotta get Kevin Garnett in the race as well. He may not be averaging 20 and 10 any more, but it's damn near close and he has been the MVP in Boston.
5 months ago
This is a horrible away, and LeBron will probably win it. He is adored by the media, led the Cavs to the NBA Finals last year and is having a monster season. Good for him. Another MVP. Cavs are in the East and don't match-up well with a team like Orlando or Boston, so LeBron can be watching the NBA Finals from his couch.
The "real" MVP is going to be the one that leads his team to the Championship. Hereby, the Lakers and the Hornets are both at the top of the Western Conference. LeBron's team wouldn't be in playoff contention in the West right now. The award should go to the best player on the best team, and that is how I strongly believe.
You can make your case for Kobe, and I think that he deserves the award after demanding a trade in the beginning of the year and putting the Lakers on top come of the Western Conference playoff race come April. Kobe should and probably will win the award if the Lakers manage to pull out a 1 or a 2 seed from the West, something which is looking great for them right now.
CP3. He's only 22 year old playing on the best team in the NBA. Don't worry, CP3 will go down at the best point guard to play the game of basketball. Very well might end up with a ring and a Final MVP this year. But give the kid time.
Congrats Kobe.
5 months ago
LeBron is probably the most talented player of this group, as well as the most popular, plus he is clearly the best player on his team. Cris Paul is a rising star that is only going to get better, but to me, if I had to pick a player to lead my team right now, it would be Kobe. Close call though.
5 months ago
its close but i would pick kobe to win
5 months ago
I like Lebron, Paul, and Amare Stoudemire for MVP this year, but I think in the end, Lebron deserves it. That being said, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, and the other big stars in the West are going to be put to the test in the last few weeks of the regular season, and after the positions in the West are locked in, it will be much more obvious as to who REALLY deserves it.
from 5 months ago
How can Amare win MVP when he's not even the most valuable player on his own team? Steve Nash is the Suns most valuable player, but Amare has been a beast this year.
5 months ago
You just said it. "He has been a beast this year." Thats exactly why, Steve Nash is incredible, and Amare is as good as he is with the help of Nash, but Amare is the finisher even if Nash is the playmaker. Nash is definately amazing, but Stoudemire can score, and knows when to "go for it."
5 months ago
I disagree with LeBron's defense is a major issue. He is actually really good on the defensive end. Kobe is the best defender out of the two, but LeBron is very good on the defensive end and I never worry anymore about anyone taking him because he has much improved since coming into the league. Mike Brown deserves some credit for that.
5 months ago
CP3 took a team that nobody cared or knew about and led them to the top of the NBA. I don't care how young he is or any of that other stuff, that guy is the leader of the best team in the NBA right now. CP3 for MVP!
5 months ago
Kobe fears LeBron.
LeBron owns Kobe.
Kobe won't surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
KOBE BRYANT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DERON WILLIAMS IS BETTER THAN CHRIS PAUL.
Kobe fears LeBron.
LeBron owns Kobe.
Kobe won't surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
KOBE BRYANT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DERON WILLIAMS IS BETTER THAN CHRIS PAUL.
Kobe fears LeBron.
LeBron owns Kobe.
Kobe won't surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
KOBE BRYANT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DERON WILLIAMS IS BETTER THAN CHRIS PAUL.
Kobe fears LeBron.
LeBron owns Kobe.
Kobe won't surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
KOBE BRYANT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DERON WILLIAMS IS BETTER THAN CHRIS PAUL.
Kobe fears LeBron.
LeBron owns Kobe.
Kobe won't surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
KOBE BRYANT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DERON WILLIAMS IS BETTER THAN CHRIS PAUL.
Kobe fears LeBron.
LeBron owns Kobe.
Kobe won't surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
KOBE BRYANT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DERON WILLIAMS IS BETTER THAN CHRIS PAUL.
5 months ago
Wow, awful article. You said New Orleans has the best starting five in the NBA. Hmm, Celtics anyone? So much for dominating a superior conference too. The Celtics have a 24-5 record against the West, and three of those losses were with KG out or recovering from an injury I believe. Dude, CP3 is definitely the MVP, he is a fantastic basketball player, but you got to come with something better than that. Paul scores twenty-one a game, eleven and a half assists a game, and his assist/TO ratio is four and a half. Paul brings more to his team than any player, and has inferior talent around him compared to what KG or Kobe has. That is why he is the MVP of the NBA this year.
5 months ago
Wow, awful article. You said New Orleans has the best starting five in the NBA. Hmm, Celtics anyone? So much for dominating a superior conference too. The Celtics have a 24-5 record against the West, and three of those losses were with KG out or recovering from an injury I believe. Dude, CP3 is definitely the MVP, he is a fantastic basketball player, but you got to come with something better than that. Paul scores twenty-one a game, eleven and a half assists a game, and his assist/TO ratio is four and a half. Paul brings more to his team than any player, and has inferior talent around him compared to what KG or Kobe has. That is why he is the MVP of the NBA this year.
5 months ago
I'd take New Orleans 5 over Boston's. Boston has the best 3, but in terms of 5 players playing cohesively and filling a role, give me Paul, Mo Pete, Peja, D-West, and Chandler.
5 months ago
Wow, you need to watch basketball. Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins are alot better than you think they are. Rondo is developing into one of the best point guards in the league. He won't be on Chris Paul's level, but Rondo is a very good point guard, now. There is no question the Celtics have the better starting five.
5 months ago
I know Rondo is good. Paul is a far better point guard and Chandler is a far better center, probably the 2 most important positions in basketball.
5 months ago
Yeah, and it is also important to have an athletic wing player to guard prominent scorers, especially out West. Are Bonzi Wells, Morris Peterson, Julian Wright or Peja Stojakovic going to be able to guard the Kobe's or TMAC's in the playoffs? The Hornets are good, and Chris Paul is my favorite player in the league, but the Hornets are still a player away from a championship. Also, with the way the Celtics play, no one position is more important than the other. I know that sounds a little too "Hoosiers", but it's true. Chandler is not far better than Perkins either.
5 months ago
What about Howard? 21 ppg 14.5 rpg 2.3 bpg..
5 months ago
nobody thought the hornets AND the lakers were even gonna make the playoffs this year, so cp3's not the only leader here. kobe's up there too (and among any of the leading candidates, kobe's the only one who has consistently played through injuries for the WHOLE season without sitting out for them, like the groin, finger, and still play at a high level
5 months ago
sorry forgot to add ankle to kobe's injury list too
5 months ago
Yeah, but when Pau Gasol got there, the Lakers won I believe ten straight games. You can't tell me Pau doesn't help your cause this year. It doesn't mean Kobe should win MVP now because he has more help. As for Howard, he is absolutely worth mentioning but he does turn the ball alot. Hedo is having a phenomenal season too, and that has helped Dwight. He is being overlooked, no doubt, but is he MVP? I don't think so.
5 months ago
"Yeah, but when Pau Gasol got there, the Lakers won I believe ten straight games. You can't tell me Pau doesn't help your cause this year. It doesn't mean Kobe should win MVP now because he has more help. As for Howard, he is absolutely worth mentioning but he does turn the ball alot. Hedo is having a phenomenal season too, and that has helped Dwight. He is being overlooked, no doubt, but is he MVP? I don't think so."
i believe even before pau got there kobe led his team to the top of the west. and even with pau, when did having good team mates ever prevent magic, or jordan or bird from winning mvps? cp3 has really good players as his team mates and nobody can deny that.
5 months ago
cp3 helps his already good team mates get better, and so does kobe. pau's good but he's playing one of the most efficient ball in his career due to kobe. people say only cp3 makes his team mate better, but look at the lakers. almost everyone is having a career year due to kobe's motivation and finding them the open spot. i'm not trying to endorse kobe over cp3 here, i'm just showing you how kobe already does what people say cp3 does
5 months ago
The Laker's record is due to a great team. Kobe's game hasnt changed in 3-4 years. He's great, but he's been great for some time now and just decided to start trusting in teamates, 11 years into his career...something Lebron's been doing with average talent since day one. 31, 8 and 7? No player in league history has ever been guarder the way teams come to guard lebron. He gets to the rim one on one effortlessly. Teams key in on him and he still produces. Mvp means most valuable...take Kobe away from the lakers and they'll probably just miss the playoffs...Its Lebron or Chris Paul.
5 months ago
Kobe's team hasn't changed people wise, but they definitely changed skill wise this year. If you really think all the young guys were this good the last 2 or 3 years, you don't know laker basketball.
No player gets guarded like Lebron? Are you giving him that much credit above any player in history? Like Jordan? Like Kobe? There's one simple way to guard Lebron, and that is to block the lanes- the only reason why he can score at will is because of his size, and players know that. Kobe can make any shot from anywhere on the court, which is why nobody gets guarded like Kobe due to his improvisation, creativity, and sheer impossible shots. Take Lebron away from the Cavs and they'll still make the playoffs in the east as the bottom seed. Take Kobe or CP3 off, the Lakers and Hornets don't make the playoffs at all. It's down to Kobe or CP3, while Lebron is a distant third.
31, 8, 7? That's nothing given that he's the only one doing everything on the team AND he plays in the eastern conference. Kobe did 30, 7, and 6 while sharing with Shaq AND playing in a tough conference in 2002-03. Please people, stop pretending Lebron's doing something nobody's done before. It's all been-there-done-that with Kobe in more difficult situations.
5 months ago
are u kidding me brandon? are u gonna trust kwame? smush?
5 months ago
No one here mentions KG? Or Paul Pierce? The ignorant basketball fan has overlooked the greatness of Paul Pierce ever since he has came into the league. Paul Pierce gets no respect from a national standpoint, and he never will. That's a damn shame.
5 months ago
thats cuz pierce is a loser
5 months ago
Chris Paul should be MVP. Saying he has one of the best supporting doesn't help and is WRONG. Chris Paul IS THE TEAM. No one kne wwho david west was before this season, Peja fell off, Chris Paul has been the difference getting them the shot along with scoring himself. It's not his contributions. He has the worst supporting cast of all three and the best output with the Wests best record. Go to hornets.com go to cp3.com, YOU REALIZE CHRIS PAUL IS THE HORNETS. And why they were a team most picked to the miss the playoffs, TO THE BEST RECORD IN THE WEST.
- - - -CLEARLY CHRIS PAUL IS THE MVP- - - -
5 months ago
Umm... 31, 8, 7 is def. something in the NBA. I do remember when Kobe took all the shots in L.A. he didn't even have thos kinds of numbers. So you can't say that it's not anything, only Oscar Robertson and M.J. can compare to those numbers!
5 months ago
Ask Paul Pierce at 56-15 about being a loser. I'm sure he will agree with you.
5 months ago
Ummm....30pts, 7reb, 6asst, 2.2stls, almost 1blk while Shaq is also dominating the inside? Sorry, as amazing as Lebron's stats are this year, it's old news. Kobe's already done it on the bigger stage while having to share the stats with a dominant big man. Sorry to burst your bubble.
5 months ago
I'm not saying Lebron's stats are nothing. Let me say it loud and clear: they're amazing. What I'm saying is that Kobe already did it in a more difficult conference while having to share the stats with Shaq and playing in the triangle offense. People need to learn their history first before crowning Lebron.
from 5 months ago
You need to learn that Kobe had wayyyyyy more open looks then LeBron has because of Shaq. And his assist numbers were so good because of passing the ball to Shaq. Shaq helped Kobe out a lot.
5 months ago
soooo...u think playing alongside shaq is better or worse for your numbers? cmon, with shaq there the lakers had the most dominating player maybe of all time. Kobe's numbers better be great
5 months ago
Man you guys are ignorant. Two players both averaging about 30 points, while Kobe had to defer his offense for Shaq because Phil designed the offense for Shaq? Shaq dominating the boards with over 10, while Kobe also has 7 as a shooting guard on the perimter? Playing in the triangle offense, but leading your team in assists by a mile? Playing in a much tougher conference but still managing this night in and night out? Stop pretending it's something easy and that only Lebron can do it, cuz I can definitely make up excuses for Lebron on why he has similar stats too. Face the facts that your precious Lebron isn't the only one has done this.
Soooo, you think playing by yourself is better or worse for your numbers? Cmon, without anyone else on the cavs, Lebron can shoot whatever he wants, rebound whatever he wants, and dish out whenever he wants with the way he controls the ball so often. Using your logic, since Lebron's so dominant, somebody on the cavs should be getting their huge share of numbers. Oh wait, there's nobody. I wonder why? I wonder why nobody on the Spurs with Duncan dominating the paint can do what Kobe did? I wonder why nobody on the Magic can do that? Heck, Jordan did it without a big man because he was still the main player on the team since it hadn't developed into the championship beast yet, and it was during the years when he was still one of the most selfish players ever. It's rare for two dominating forces to be able to share the stats like both Shaq and Kobe did, and as much as Shaq helped Kobe, Kobe helped Shaq. The reality is, both Kobe and Lebron had different advantages in these situations, so both of them putting up almost identical numbers is essentially indisputable.
5 months ago
derek's the one who makes up facts to make lebron look better, like saying Z was only an all star after lebron came....isn't it obvious from that fact that he lies to make lebron look better that he's a blind, ignorant lebron lover? he only says that he likes kobe when it's not true just so he doesn't look like a kobe hater. everyone just ignore what derek says....he's new to bleacher report and his main purpose is to spread lies about lebron....we don't need that here
yea, and to add to the guy above....i don't see anyone on the celtics doing that with 3 dominant players. i didn't see that happening in phoenix with or without shaq, or in miami with shaq. i don't see any other laker during that year getting crazy assists even while playing with shaq....getting crazy stats in EVERY category, not just one or two, proves it was much more than just "shaq being there helped out kobe"...shaq should thank kobe too for simultaneously being the most dominant wing man
5 months ago
Kobe was supposed to defer to Shaq, he didnt...and shaq didnt like it. Phil Jackson had problems with it. Lebron shoots less that Kobe....sorry to burst ur bubble. Always has. Even this year where he's playing a smaller role. Less minutes, yet has more field goal attempts...Thats weird. If Lebron played on this laker's team they wouldnt lose. Are u serious, The cavs have a respectable record against the west, under 500 against the east....Boston and Detroit are the 2 best teams in the league. You guys are just listening to Charles Barkley too much....haha, i'll be right back with some numbers....deferring to shaq...lol
5 months ago
Kobe has never shot over 47% for a season...in fact, he shot under 45%....when playing with the lakers, Shaq never shot under 57% from the field. Shaq's best year, statistically was 99-00, he average 29.7, 13.6 boards, almost 4 assists, and 3 blocks shooting .574% from the field. He took 21 shots a game, Kobe took a little over 19...Kobe made a little under 9 of those 19 shots whereas Shaq made over 12 of his 21. in Kobes best season he put up 30, 6.9, 5.9, 2.2 steals (his highest steal total for his career) shot 45% for the year with nearly 2000 shots taken...next year he shot almost 44, then 43, then 45..in 02-03...his aforementioned year, he took nearly 24 shots a game!...in 05-06 his 35 ppg year he took over 27 shots a game...27! Lebron average 31 on under 23 shots....Kobe average 30 on almost 24. Again, this was Kobe's best year...while this, is Lebron's Best. kobe never deferred to Shaq Shaq always was consistent, again, never shooting unger 57% percent and he felt as if going to him more often than Kobe with his 45% was just logic....right? Makes sense to me. I dont want people thinking i hate kobe. I think he's the best player today...I think he's the most resourceful scorer ever because of his arsenal of moves and shots. Kobe however to me hasnt been a team player until about 20 games ago and now that Gasol went down you watch laker games and that great teammate Kobe is gone again....He's not the most talented though...Physical talent is talent...Yall talking like a 250 pound dude with Lebron's ability isnt incredible. He weighs more than Ben wallace and could effectively be any teams point guard. What he does isnt just driving, if that were the case he'd pick up offensive fouls all the time. He actually rarely does...When Kobe scored 81 everyone jumped on the bandwagon. Me, my mouth dropped for like 2 straight days. But, he was hot...he took almost 30 free throws and shot over 40 shots...If there were the same handchecking rules when Jordan came in the league he would have had a few of those nights.
5 months ago
brandon, you seriously need to educate yourself. there's not a single correct idea in your entire rant. i'll just defer you to respectkobe.com where you can be thoroughly dismantled. just express your comments there, too.
5 months ago
Jesus, is this the same anonymous that is trying to advertise for Kobe esentially in my article forum too? You get around, especially after you seem like your in bed with Kobe too.
4 months ago
I remember a long time ago, I was loving the looks of Tim Duncan for the San Antonio Spurs, it was his 2nd year in, this was also the year of the famous Jordan shot that went in against the Utah Jazz with John Stockton and Carl Malone. I remember looking at Duncan, his 2nd year in, he has more points, more rebounds and more blocks than malone, he is a sure-fire lock at the MVP award, and sure enough it went to Mr. Malone, who I liked a lot, but clearly Duncan was the better athlete, but yet his numbers alone, with his 2nd year in, didn't win him the award like it should of. Now I'm trying to imagine it happening to Chris Paul, whose numbers aren't as good as james and bryant's which is why I'm sure Chris Paul won't get the MVP, and they'll tell hornet's fans to shutup with a coach of the year award on the hornets hands.
4 months ago
annonymous, show me one sentence thats false...i gave u numbers.
4 months ago
yep you gave numbers. i don't disagree with the numbers. you're just wrong in the way you analyze (or lack thereof) the numbers.
4 months ago
how so?
4 months ago
haha,Brandon don't waste your time.. I agree with you completely and thought you made some great points, but trying to argue with Kobe lovers is like politics and religion... You simply cannot be correct no matter how many great points you make... Turns into a "I know you are but what am I" or "my dad can beat up your dad" type thing... Don't waste your energy..
4 months ago
Hhahaah, that's funny Jeffrey. Turns out all the Kobe supporters are the ones coming out with valid arguments, and you're the one turning them into the personal attacks. Quite ironic. If you want to be correct, try being correct in the first place. Then you don't have to complain about being attacked all the time.
4 months ago
Attention to the Laker "team injuries" theorists:
Lakers are 5-5 without Bynum and they are 5-5 without
Bynum/Gasol. They are a .500 team without those two.
That's WAY out of the playoff picture in the West and
even below the baby Blazers.
Please reconsider the 'team injuries' portion of your
theories.
4 months ago
My gut sense is that CP3 will get the MVP award, and then get bumped in the second round after getting outplayed by Deron Williams. Which will leave us spending the summer thinking about what morons the MVP voters are.
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