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Sorry Kobe haters, number 24 is the league's most valuable player this year. Also published at... MVP: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers It's amazing that Kobe Bryant has been in the NBA for ten years but has failed to garner one MVP trophy. While this may not be Kobe's best season in terms of fifty point outbursts and eighty-one point games, but it is his best season in terms of winning and leadership. Besides ranking second in the league in scoring with 28.0 points, Bryant has excelled in other facets of the game. Currently, he is averaging 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He doesn't rebound or score as much as LeBron James, but his experience and leadership make him even more valuable to his team. Despite numerous trade rumors prior to the start of the season, Kobe has played unselfishly in an attempt to develop his teammates. Guys like Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, Trevor Ariza, and Andrew Bynum, are all having career years. By taking a back seat, and holding his competitive desire in check, Kobe has allowed his teammates to be aggressive as well on the offensive end. As a result of his play, the Lakers have become one of the top teams in the NBA once again. Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics Due to a fairly lackluster rookie class, and Greg Oden's knee injury, Durant for rookie of the year is a pretty obvious claim right now. So far this year, the 6'9" forward is averaging 19.4 points per game, which is nine more than the second-place rookie, Juan Carlos Navarro. While Durant is only shooting forty percent, he is the focus of opposing defenses all season and forced to be the team's top scorer. Al Horford looks to be a future double-double guy, but he is no where near Durant yet. It's really too bad that Oden isn't around to make this a more compelling race. Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers Despite having the NBA's youngest roster, McMillan has taken a team that was 32-50 a year ago and transformed ...

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