It'll soon become official
"It" being Kobe's ownership of the MVP trophy, which will be formally pronounced his at a hotel press conference this afternoon. To put this in reality TV speak, Kobe's "journey" to this point has been quite the ride, even within the context of just 2007-2008. But here we are, with Kobe being recognized for being essentially impossible to guard, as his teammates can knowledgeably attest. Those same teammates are also bearing the fruit of Kobe's play this season, specifically the confidence he's created in them by allowing them a little more leeway. But all heralding aside (and warranted), don't expect Kobe to get caught up in hoopla and lose his playoff focus. He, along with the entire roster, remain aware of the tasks still at hand, like getting their hands on more loose balls. The lion's share of step up will have to come from Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol, but a group effort will be needed for the Lakers to iron out a rebounding margin leaving them shortchanged. Rebounding is often a matter of tussle willingness, but whether or not a lack thereof is causing the glass eating woes, matching Utah's physicality is also being labeled a must for game two. The Lakers spent much of the game pushed around in victorious fashion, if that makes sense. The Jazz to-do list is topped by a mission to keep the Mamba from kicking it so often at the line, which will require a team-wide improvement on the defensive end. That would include the man called D-Will.
The Hornets are not only making the Spurs look like a team in trouble, but an old team in trouble.
Chicago, Chicago. That toddlin' (and D'Antoni-in'?) town.
Not sure exactly who's overlooking Tony Parker when it comes to listing top- flight point guards, but apparently, we should stop.
Subscribe to this Blog What is RSS?
Group Huddle Good Mornin'!
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Well deserved. It's really about time the best player in the league gets the recognition he deserves.
Posted by: bruzer | May 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
What a great day to be a Lakers fan. Kobe has demonstrated enormous growth and poise this season, and I'm happy to see him finally get this well-deserved accolade. But he wants more. And I honestly think he'll get it.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: When everything is said and done, Kobe is better than Jordan.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 06, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Even though the legitimacy of the MVP has been tainted by Steve Nash having two trophies to Shaq's one, I dedicate this MVP to all those buffoons who said "Kobe will never win MVP" or said that Kobe was not great because he had not won an MVP award.
He didn't need this to seal his greatness, but now that he's going to have one, are you happy now, haters? Of course not.
Can't wait to see what the next criticsm will be, or the "reason" why Kobe can't win a title.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 06, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Chick is smilin' down on Kobe today.
How did we get here?
Oh yeah, we knew it all along.
GO Lakers
Posted by: Vman | May 06, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Adding to that, if it were mine to dedicate, I would dedicate this MVP award to:
KLBeast
Laker Lover
Jeffs Aho
Gunner
Steve Nash fans
Shaq fans
Any cock-a-roach who has posted here when the Lakers were losing or lost a game, only to disappear when the lights came on
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 06, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Good Morning everyone!
I hope you have a fantastic start to your day!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | May 06, 2008 at 09:23 AM
I MUST ADMIT AFTER 30 SOMETHING GAMES OF THE GASOL EXPERIMENT I AM READY TO FORMALLY ANNOUNCE MY DESIRE TO HAVE KWAME BROWN INSTEAD OF PAU.
MIKE T., THE LONE RANGER, WAS CORRECT WHEN HE SAID KWAME WAS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS. I KNOW WE HAVE A GREAT RECORD WITH PAU GASOL INSTEAD OF KWAME, BUT LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING....
IT IS FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLS GOLD PEOPLE. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE. PAU IS FOOLS GOLD.
SURE WE MAY WIN A TITLE THIS YEAR, AND POSSIBLY 3 OUT OF THE NEXT 4, BUT IF WE HAVE KWAME THEN WE WOULD REALLY BE GOOD.
MIKE T. WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG--KWAME BROWN IS GOD AND WE CAN'T WIN WITHOUT HIM.
WAKE UP LAKER FANS. TO THOSE THAT THINK THE PAU/BROWN TRADE WAS A GOOD DEAL FOR THE LAKERS I TELL YOU TO
SHUT UP!!!
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | May 06, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Good morning everyone,
Gotta be happy for the Kobster this morning. Well deserved and overdue recognition for the absolutely very best player in the NBA.
But the regular season MVP award is only the beginning. The playoffs MVP trophy and the NBA Championship trophy are all necessary if Kobe is to receive everything he deserves this year.
Happy to be a Lakers fan in every way! Go Kobe! Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 06, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Vman,
Nice of you to honor Kobe and Chick. Stay classy V...
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Amazing happens,
"Any cock-a-roach who has posted here"
Roaches go in but they don't come out"
Posted by: HEAD ROACH | May 06, 2008 at 09:33 AM
After watching a replay of Game 1, I noticed just how much Pau Gasol HATES the physical play of the Jazz.
There were several times on offense when he did everything he could to avoid the paint, while Lamar and Fish and most of the others threw themselves into the scrum and willingly sacrificed their bodies to get pushed around and banged up. I was almost embarrassed for him, because there was just nowhere for him to hide. He is being totally exposed for his unwillingness to bang for the ball.
I'm one of Pau's biggest fans, but Pau will have to step up in this series and get used to the banging, even if it's just not his style.
And in the off season, he'd be crazy if he didn't implement some kind of weight-training regimen to get bigger and stronger. Imagine how dominant he'd become then with about 10-20 pounds of muscle?
Posted by: hava98 | May 06, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Some cool pics of Kobe on SI
http://tinyurl.com/5lqvbz
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Stranger in the Night,
"WAKE UP LAKER FANS. TO THOSE THAT THINK THE PAU/BROWN TRADE WAS A GOOD DEAL FOR THE LAKERS I TELL YOU TO"
Thank you from the bottom of my soles.
Posted by: KWAME'S CALVES | May 06, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Here's to Amazing Happens nightly. 12 straight seasons 3 titles and 1 MVP congrats to Mamba. Lefts finish the job we started.
Lakers in 5!!!!!!!!
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 06, 2008 at 09:50 AM
does anybody know when the press conference will be held?
Posted by: greek dude | May 06, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Stranger please explain. Your post give no reasoning and how can you say that an ability to be a serious contender in 4 of the next 5 championships is a bad trade. Yes Kwame had some defense but so does Bynum and Ariza. Ira Newble will become more effective next year if we keep him on the payroll and we are still happy.
The offensive deficency of Kwame was more than he was worth defensivly.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 06, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Charles,
It's all in the family today.
Chest pounds all around!!!
Posted by: Vman | May 06, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Players with 3 rings and at least one MVP ...
Kobe Bryant
Tim Duncan
Shaquille O'Neal
Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson
Larry Bird
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Bill Russell
Bob Cousy
George Mikan*
* Didn't win an MVP; they didn't have them when he was dominating. But if the award had existed, he'd have won one.
Players with 3 rings, at least one MVP, and a scoring title:
Kobe Bryant
Shaquille O'Neal
Michael Jordan
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
George Mikan*
Players with 3 rings, at least one MVP, a scoring title, and 5 or more All Defensive Team appearances:
Kobe Bryant
Michael Jordan
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
The company doesn't get any better than that.
Posted by: FatSam | May 06, 2008 at 09:58 AM
David Dupree is right on. Also, when are people going to wake up and realize that Lebron James is a pretty respectable forward?
Posted by: J.D. Hastings | May 06, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Head Roach - I know you guys are still there, lurking in the cracks, in the cabinets, under the fridge, waiting for the lights to go out.
See ya the next time the Lakers lose. Hopefully, next season.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 06, 2008 at 10:02 AM
hava98, Yeah I agree, time for Pau to get down and dirty! He is a smooth cat but that ISH dont work playing against the Jazz..He needs to know he can get his hair and nails done after the game and its okay to get it messed up during that 48 mins of bangin!
CONGRATS again Kobe, I believe it was that Mike Bresnahan article that almost made me teary eyed and Kobe commenting how he was always an outcast and made to feel like something was wrong because he simply wanted to be the best at what he did"
Go Lakers!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
2:30, I believe.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 06, 2008 at 10:05 AM
hey just to let you guys know
***Kobe's press conference will be at 5:30 ET on ESPN NEWS***
Posted by: greek dude | May 06, 2008 at 10:06 AM
DJ's the key to Kobe's MVP award.
Posted by: Mbenga Fan | May 06, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Yo Amazing,
If you recall, the cockroaches are banned from this blog, so they can't respond.
Posted by: Mbenga Fan | May 06, 2008 at 10:09 AM
KOBE BRYANT 2008 NBA MVP
Jump to Comments
I think it is time to put this thing to rest.
There should be no doubt who the 2008 NBA MVP really is…it is and will be, KOBE BEAN BRYANT.
Kobe Bryant has been the best player in the NBA since 2003…but since the professional basketball
writers really LOVE to HATE Kobe Bryant, he really never got much consideration for the MVP award,
finishing no higher than third place in any balloting since 2003. I suppose that the writers were even more
apt to loathe Bryant after the entire Colorado Hotel mess…but then again, it probably would have been nice
if they would have seen the incident for what it really was: a young woman who was used to getting what
she wanted in life by using her feminine wiles. It was nothing more than a quick thinking woman who looked
to trap a millionaire basketball superstar and then make him pay for his transgression. I really think Kobe Bryant
screwed up big time that night in Colorado (HIS BEHAVIOR WAS HORRIBLE) and I think he knows that he did as
well; and he was also very right in saying that hundreds of NBA players before him made the exact same mistake
or worse…but their transgressions never really came into light like did Kobe’s.
But moving on…
Kobe has been a statistical giant the last 5 years but he has been considered the most dominant player in the league
who only was so dominant because he had no talented players surrounding him and also because of his extreme lack
of trust in his teammates…and his own vile selfishness. That’s what they have said. But give me a break…would you
have
trusted his surrounding cast the last 4-5 years? How could anyone else play differently than Kobe Bryant has the last
5 years…never minding that no one has done it better, except maybe Michael Jordan in his prime. That said, didn’t Jordan
have the same issues with his own teammates?And even when he had a pretty good cast around him like Pippen and
Horace Grant, didn’t Jordan still get criticized for being too selfish and not trusting of his teammates?
Kobe Bryant is the most dominant player in the NBA and he is the most valuable. I know that we had the whole summer
video incident where he dropped the bomb on Andrew Bynum (seriously, at the time, did any of you really believe that Bynum
was going to return and become so good down low? Anyone?) and then feuded with Jerry Buss over the direction of the
team…even saying that they should trade him if they were just in rebuilding mode.
I really think that by unleashing his feelings after five years of bottling them up, Kobe Bryant did the Lakers’ organization
a huge favor…gave them a big wake-up call, if you will. Because even though Bynum was playing so well before he
got injured, General Manager Mitch Kupchak was in crisis mode way before then, looking for that missing piece or two
that would make Bryant happier and the Lakers’ a title contender. Eventually, the Lakers got Pau Gasol in the trade that
shifted the balance of power in the NBA’s Western Conference; now the Los Angeles Lakers are considered one of
the three most likely teams to win the NBA TITLE.
But they wouldn’t be there without Kobe Bryant…even with Pau Gasol. Gasol has been allowed to play a more secondary
role in the offense…which better suits his personality…while still being able to play off of Bryant and use his talents to the
maximum. All the while, Kobe Bryant is still able to take over the game when necessary and either score at will or lock up
his guy on the defensive end…in order to bring the Lakers to victory.
While he should be getting his 4th or 5th MVP award by now…Kobe Bean Bryant will be content to win his first MVP Award.
And don’t say that he was given this as a sort of lifetime achievement award…he is the best and he is the most valuable…and
he has been for 5 years running!
Congratulations, KOBE…and let’s not make it your last MVP!
Posted by: | May 06, 2008 at 10:10 AM
MVP! MVP! MVP!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | May 06, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Amazing Happens,
"See ya the next time the Lakers lose. Hopefully, next season."
Oh we will see you tomorrow and it will be amazing. hehehe.
Posted by: HEAD ROACH | May 06, 2008 at 10:12 AM
"He, along with the entire roster, remain aware of the tasks still at hand, like getting their hands on more loose balls."
Is this a Reggie Evans reference?
Posted by: Romy R. | May 06, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Good morning K-bros, Charles, Mamba24, and Laker Bloggers!!
Great news, congrats to Kobe for an award long overdue.
And this is no Scorcese Oscar, this season was one of his best and this is a great ending to this regular season. I wish I could go to the hotel, if they would let us know where it is and when.
FatSam, good post! Great company indeed.
For all the Jazz fans complaining about the ref's calls last game.
"Here's an aberration: A coach is mad at his players, not the referees, for too many foul calls. "We can't hold and grab them as much," Sloan said. "We got four or five fouls trying to pull guys' uniforms off. That shouldn't happen in a ballgame.""
Have a great day all!
M-V-P!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 06, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I know some might think i'm crazy, but the Mbenga's of the world is what has contributed to Kobe's individual and collective success. Guys like Farmar, Sasha, Walton (ie The Role Players) contribute to the success of the leader.
I was happy to hear that Kobe was at dinner with the guys (picked up the bill too) when he got wind of the award and that the guys gave him a standing obviation.
--Mbenga Fan--
Posted by: Mbenga Fan | May 06, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Geek Dude,
"hey just to let you guys know ***Kobe's press conference will be at 5:30 ET on ESPN NEWS***"
Thanks I'll be sure not to listen. hehehe.
Posted by: HEAD ROACH | May 06, 2008 at 10:18 AM
It's about &@#$%^ time Kobe won an MVP. When the Lakers win 72 games next season, not only will Kobe win his second MVP, but Phil will also win also win his second coach of the year award (just like he did in Chicago when the Bulls won 71 games).
I'm still pissed that Steve Nash was "given" 2 MVP's. What a joke.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 06, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, hope all is well with you.
Good Morning Charles, Good Morning A L L of Laker Nation!
Why is it we have to wait and wait and wait to get this going and over with?
FatSam..........great post! Helps all understand what elite company Kobe is in.
Congrats to KOBE BEAN BRYANT - NBA MVP '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One trophy down, one to go!
NO CHAMPIONSHIP, NO PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 06, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Good mornin', Charles! Hope you are feeling well today.
Great thing, this Kobe MVP. Deserved.
FO, FO, FO, FO.....FO
(The last being:
Kobe = MVP
KObe = NBA Champ
Kobe = Finals MVP
Kobe = Olympic gold medalist)
I want a Fi Fo bandwagon. Hahah
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 06, 2008 at 10:20 AM
IMO, Kobe should've been MVP in 2001 but who the hell am I???
Just glad they couldn't BLOCK his BLESSINGS any longer..
And having ole boy Larry Bird say he was willing to give his MVP back didn't hurt his cause either! Pound for Larry Legend.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 06, 2008 at 10:21 AM
TWoody,
I HAVE BEEN STUDYING BASKETBALL FOR 30 YEARS. I HAVE CONDUCTED NUMEROUS IN-DEPTH STUDIES OF THIS LAKERS TEAM. I AM GOING TO POST MY RESULTS LATER THIS WEEK, WHICH WILL DEMONSTRATE WHY THE PAU/KWAME TRADE WAS A DISASTER FOR THE LAKERS.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS PEOPLE. KWAME BROWN IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED DEFENSIVE PLAYERS IN THE NBA. HE IS A FREE AGENT AND THIS TEAM WOULD BE WELL SERVED TO TRADE YOUNG BYNUM AND SIGN KWAME AS A FREE AGENT.
PAU IS FOOLS GOLD. KWAME IS THE REAL DEAL. YOU WILL SEE. SURE THE LAKERS MAY WIN 3 TITLES WITH PAU INSTEAD OF KWAME BUT THOSE ARE
FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLS GOLD TITLES.
SO SHUT UP!!!!!!!
DOOO BEEEEEE DOOOOO BEEEEEEE DOOOOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | May 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Nash deserves those MVP awards just like Kobe deserves it.
"Truth", don't be a hater.
Posted by: Mbenga Fan | May 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Did anyone else hear when Dan Patrick interviewed Larry Bird? When Patrick informed Bird that the Kobester hadn't won an MVP, Bird said that a) He didn;t realize that and b) it made him want to throw one of his away.
That's strong from Larry Legend. And it proves great recognizes great -- despite rivalry or stylistic difference. (Memo to Weatherman and Mamba.)
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 06, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Haha lakersrydeordie! Blog sync-think. Where's Tom anyway?
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 06, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Mbenga Fan
Do you know what Martial Art Mbenga was/is training in?
Thanks in advance
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 10:25 AM
The Suns shall rise again and Bynum shall lead them. hehehe.
Posted by: | May 06, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I feel like balance has been restored to the trophy. Perhaps it can mean something once again.
This will be the first in four seasons where the trophy is in the hands of a worthy recipient.
How can the media feel good about giving it to two guys who really do not even belong in the hall of fame and who collectively accomplished (relatively speaking by MVP standards) little to nothing in their careers?
Here's to a worthy MVP.... CHEERS!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 06, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Here's an aberration: A coach is mad at his players, not the referees, for too many foul calls. "We can't hold and grab them as much," Sloan said. "We got four or five fouls trying to pull guys' uniforms off. That shouldn't happen in a ballgame."
From the rebounding articles in the LA Times.
Posted by: mel | May 06, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Mamba24 and Jay Walter W,
You gotta post once and celebrate with the fam!
Hope all is well...
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Let's check the blog response.
All together: MVP! MVP! MVP!
Posted by: Charles | May 06, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Players with 3 rings, at least one MVP, a scoring title, and 5 or more All Defensive Team appearances and a rape arrest:
Kobe Bryant
Posted by: | May 06, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Nash deserves those MVP awards just like Kobe deserves it. "Truth", don't be a hater.
Thank you and I'll win another one before Kobe Been Crying ever wins another.
Posted by: STEVE NASH | May 06, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Mbenga fan - I'm with you. I'm a huge Mbenga fan too. I love cheering his name at the games - you can really yell it loud and in a low voice "MBBENGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAA!"
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 06, 2008 at 10:37 AM