Kobe Bryant: Despite Painful Wrist, Black Mamba Early-Season Favorite for MVP

Kobe Bryant is the most valuable player in the NBA. And he is doing this despite playing the entire season with an injured shooting wrist and being in his 16th season. 

It has been an impressive early season showing for Bryant, as he shoulders a heavy load on the court, and it's simply remarkable given the fact that he has been forced to take a pain-killing shot to his shooting wrist before each contest. 

Kobe's Season

The Mamba is averaging 29.5 points, 5.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. He is shooting 46 percent from the field. These numbers are almost identical to the ones he put up in his only MVP season, which came in 2007-08. 

That season, Bryant averaged 28.3 points, 5.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds. He shot 46.7 percent from the field that season. 

The Mamba also appears to be hitting his stride as the season rolls on and he adjusts to his wrist. His last time on the court, he torched the Suns for 48 points—an unprecedented number for a player with his experience. 

Bryant's Case for MVP

Kobe is currently second in the league in scoring. He trails LeBron James in this category by just .2 points per game. 

James leads Kobe in assists and rebounds as well. He is averaging 7.6 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game. However, Bryant is far more integral to the Lakers' success than James. 

LA's offense would be in shambles without Bryant. With a lackluster point guard combination of Derek Fisher and Steve Blake, Bryant is the often the initiator and finisher of the offense. 

He is the primary ball-handler and the focus of an offense that no longer utilizes Phil Jackson's triangle scheme. Without Kobe, the Lakers' offense would be doomed. The same cannot be said for the Heat, who have Dwayne Wade to help shoulder the backcourt load. 

Meanwhile, reigning MVP Derrick Rose's numbers are down. He is averaging 20.7 points, 8.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Solid numbers, but clearly not MVP-worthy.

Chance of Kobe Maintaining Current Level

With this compacted season, Bryant runs the risk of getting worn down. However, that compacted season is shorter. 

And while Kobe runs the risk of getting even more injuries, he has shown time and time again that he can play through them and, at some point, the pain in his wrist will fade. 

His legs look as fresh as they have in years. The season will undoubtedly take a toll on his knees, but the fact that he has looked as explosive as he has since he was No. 8 is a good sign that he will be able to whether the storm of this unique season. 

Also, with the Lakers' new offense, Kobe is going to continue to dominate the ball and get plenty of looks. There will not be a stretch this season where Kobe does not get his shots. This will keep his stat lines high, and as long as the Lakers continue to win—they are currently 7-4—Kobe is going to maintain this MVP pace. 

When this season run its course, expect Kobe Bryant to earn his second MVP award.