Solid signs for Kobe early in the MVP race

I've never considered Kobe selfish in a "I need my numbers" sort of way.  But there has been, unquestionably, over the last 18 months or so a growth in his team game.  It's a matter of him learning that by ceding some control, trusting players around him to succeed, then putting them in the best position to do it (like a Steve Nash) he can get what he wants- winning.  No doubt improved talent has made that easier, but it's hard to argue that Kobe's game hasn't changed.  In doing so, he's actually enhanced the notion to which Gutierrez refers, of showing people he's the best player in the league.

And it's that team game, the perception that he's leading rather than pulling, playing in a way that helps elevate the team rather than himself, that will garner him more MVP votes.  At this point in the season, I think he's likely still behind KG, and perhaps even LeBron, in the incredibly unscientific finger-to-the-wind national balloting.  The Garnett-as-MVP train left the station early, buoyed by Boston's incredibly hot start and the (correct) belief that he is at the core of their impressive turnaround.  That Garnett was the dominant (positive) story over the summer and plays in a massive media market for an iconic and previously downtrodden franchise helps, too.  You can certainly make a solid argument for him. 

But the longer his injury lingers, the more the field can catch up.  If the Lakers continue to play well and can get to the top of the Pacific and/or the West, Kobe's resume will gain a lot of steam.  He's not necessarily any more "valuable" than he was last year, but that value has more importance now because the Lakers have the potential to be very, very good. 

Assuming Garnett gets healthy after the break, I think we're looking at a two and a half horse race between Kobe, KG, and, maybe, LeBron.  Swapping emails with Gutierrez, he told me that support among eastern writers for James is strong, but that people are paying very close attention to where the Cavs finish in the E.C.  Statistically, it's hard to argue with what LBJ is doing.  30.1/7.9/7.2 on 48% from the floor.  Those are incredible numbers, and he's dragging along a relatively mediocre team in the process.  But unless Cleveland breaks out, he'll be limited by the same factor hurt Kobe in the last two seasons, namely a lack of overall team success. 

The good news for 24 is that anytime people write or talk about Kobe as equally successful as an individual and team performer, as Gutierrez did in Monday's Herald, it puts Kobe closer to an MVP because it shows the changing perception of him around the league. 

I'd vote for him, but I don't get one.  I'm lucky they let me vote in regular elections.  But if the Lakers continue to pile up wins- and I think they will- this could finally be the year he breaks through.  Good news is that if he doesn't have room on the mantle, he can afford to buy another one.

BK