Lakers 106, Spurs 85: Kobe's Supporting Cast Gets It Done

"However, note that Bryant is not solely responsible for the Lakers' soaring in the standings. Yes, he makes teammates better, but they deserve a lot of credit, too, for improving (Andrew Bynum, a prime example) on their own, and the incoming player (Pau Gasol) made Kobe better.

“Furthermore, if Bryant wasn't setting up perimeter shooters and drivers for dunks, Lamar Odom is almost as capable. Contrary to popular distortion Kobe does not deserve this honor based on Lifetime Achievement, but strictly on this simonized season.

“Only once in 11 previous seasons (eight spent alongside Shaquille O'Neal) was he so much as a legitimate candidate, and Steve Nash simply outdid him."

New York Times’ columnist Peter Vecsey wrote this statement in regards to the debate of whether Kobe is the reason why the Lakers are in the playoffs once again.

This is in response to those who are debating a column I submitted yesterday prior to the Spurs-Lakers game.

Vecsey is right about one thing, which brings up my original point: Kobe didn't do it on his own.

There was a guy who said that I was still hating on Kobe and I should give him some props. I'm sorry, but isn't saying "I know good talent when I see it" giving a guy some props?

I agree with Mr. Vecsey saying that Kobe is a great basketball player.

The only issue I had was an anonymous guy who said that "Kobe has surpassed MJ." That is one problem I have. The other problem is everyone trying their hardest to make Kobe sound like the best in the business.

In yesterday's game, Kobe did his part in securing the win for the Lakers, a 106-85 drubbing of the defending champions. Bryant scored 20 points (seven in the second half), nabbed five rebounds, and snagged five assists before enjoying a much deserved rest on the bench.

But it was Kobe's supporting cast who sealed the deal for the Lakers, who at press time clinched the No. 1 seed with Houston's loss to Denver.

Maybe there really is something in the water in Los Angeles, but don't expect Phil Jackson to start asking about it.

Lamar Odom snagged a double-double before he sat down with about four minutes left. He finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Pau Gasol, who many have not been given love to, finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Derek Fisher added 14 points, not to mention every time he touched the ball to open the second half, he was throwing up 3-pointers.

The Lakers got the top spot in the West, and they should be thanking Denver to taking care of the hard part for them. Kobe took out the Spurs in what many believe could be a prelude to the postseason.

Bryant earned himself another vote for MVP yesterday, but the season isn't over yet.

Depending on who has the most left in the tank come April 19, that's who gets my MVP vote. But Vecsey has a good point. Let's see what happens in the postseason.