Why the Scorching Hot Kobe Bryant Will Win NBA MVP

It's common that when Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant steps to the free-throw line late in games, he's hit with an MVP chant for the Staples Center crowd.

They're exactly right.

Bryant is not only on pace to win his third scoring title (2006 and 2007), but along with it should come his second MVP award (2008).

No one in the NBA has been more impressive than Bryant this season.

This was the season that many expected his game to start to decline. It would have only been natural; it's year No. 16 for Bryant and he's had an enormous amount of wear and tear on his body.

Is it possible that he's getting better at 33 years of age?

Could the triangle offense have been holding him back the past couple of seasons?

Both are possible.

Bryant's game on the court has been nothing short of outstanding, especially the past two nights, where he combined to score 88 points, the only two 40-plus point games in the NBA this season.

But consider how the season began and look at how Bryant has amazed so far.

He wasn't happy with the lack of improvements to the roster, then he went out and injured his wrist during the Lakers first preseason game.

Then there came the 0-2 start to the season and subsequent cries for Andrew Bynum to become the focal point of Mike Brown's offense. Add to that the distraction of his pending divorce and it would be understandable for Bryant not to have his best season.

He's quietly been criticized for shooting too much, but with results like this he can keep firing all he wants.

In the wake of all that, all Bryant has done is lead the Lakers to an 8-4 start to the season, leading the NBA in scoring (30.3 PPG) in the process.

Bryant looks more focused and determined then he has in years. There's also a chip on his shoulder; it comes out in his interviews and most importantly his play.

Many, including Magic Johnson, said this Lakers team couldn't contend this season, but that's exactly what Bryant has them doing.

One thing is for sure: a motivated and focused Bryant is a scary-good one. One worthy of another MVP trophy.