LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: Handing out NBA's Midseason Awards

Here we are at the All-Star Break and half the season is in the books. If the first half is any indication, then we are in store for a thrilling, down-to-the-wire finish for the best record going into the playoffs.

But before we look ahead to the rest of the season, let's look back and award those deserving.

Rookie of the Year: Derrick Rose

Averaging 17.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.3 APG, and shooting 47.3 percent are not bad stats. But the real reason he gets the slight edge over O.J. Mayo is his leadership. In just half of his first season in the NBA, he has demanded the respect of his teammates and just may quarterback his team to the playoffs.

Most Improved Player: Devin Harris

Harris is having a breakout year thus far and has emerged as a premier scoring point guard. This time last year he was packing his bags for the All-Star break, heading to New Jersey after being traded. This year he is packing his bags for the All-Star break, and going to Phoenix.

Sixth Man of the Year: Jason Terry

When Jason Terry enters the game, the opponent's entire defensive scheme changes. He makes scoring much easier for Dirk Nowitzki just by being on the floor. When a spark is needed, calling Jason's number is always a good move.

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard

It is hard to give this award to anyone else right now. Offensive schemes are altered and points in the paint are scarce when Dwight is lurking. If you test him, your shot will either be rejected or altered, no matter your height, weight, or speed.

Most Valuable Player: Kobe Bryant

The Lakers come into the All-Star break with the best record in the NBA by percentage points followed by Boston and then Cleveland.

LeBron is averaging more points, rebounds, and assists than Kobe. But along with the best record, the Lakers are 4-0 against both the teams listed above.

On the biggest stages thus far, Kobe has answered the call. Bynum goes down and what does Kobe do? Score 61 points.

Coach of the Year: Stan Van Gundy

No Kobe? No LeBron? No Big Three? No problem. Stan has shown and continues to show that he knows how to squeeze the best out of his players.

Your all-star point guard goes down and Anthony Johnson steps in and steps up, all the while allowing them to go out and have fun. There is no other team in the league that has more fun out on the court than the Magic. It'll be interesting to see if they continue this play minus Jameer Nelson.