There are No Reasons to Deny Kobe Bryant His First League MVP Award

Kobe Bryant has won three NBA championships in his Hall of Fame career. His competitive drive has elevated him to the top of the NBA talent pool. When it comes to the league's MVP award, however, Bryant can't seem to win.

Throughout his twelve-year career, Bryant's MVP bids have been derailed by claims that his team wasn't good enough and that his team was too good. Bryant's lack of popularity with the sports media has also hindered his MVP chances. This year, Bryant has eliminated every excuse and should be crowned MVP.

Long hailed as the best talent in the NBA, Bryant began putting together MVP caliber seasons in 2002-03. His team, the Los Angeles Lakers, were campaigning for their fourth straight NBA championship. Kobe and Shaquille O'neal were the dynamic duo of the NBA. O'neal's season, however, was plagued by a toe injury and a poor work ethic. Bryant took charge and led the Lakers to the NBA playoffs. He did so in amazing fashion by scoring 40 or more points in nine straight games (seven of which were won by the Lakers). The league's MVP award went to Tim Duncan, however. Bryant's MVP chances were hurt by the fact that he played on the same team as Shaquille O'neal.

O'neal and Bryant parted ways after the 2003-04 season. Bryant's star continued to soar. In 2005-06, he had one of the best offensive seasons the league has ever seen. He average over 35 points per game and made everyone in the sports world stop with an incredible 81 point performance. Amazingly, the 81 point game may not have even been his best game of the year. He posted 62 points in only three quarters of work against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite carrying a lackluster Lakers team to the playoffs, Bryant was again denied the MVP. Ironically, the rationale from the sports media this time was that his team wasn't good enough.