Slam Dunk Central

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To: Jeff Sack

From: Kyle Stack

RE: NBA MVP

Jeff,

I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but there is some sort of MVP race going on in the Association these days. Seems that at least three or four guys have legitimate cases to be named MVP of the current regular season. I thought I would bring my choice to your attention, seeing as how we share a diametrically opposite view on at least a few NBA topics.

Now, I am a L.A. guy. I was born and raised in the City of Angels and have practically bled Dodger Blue and Lakers Purple and Gold since I was walking. But I can honestly tell you that I am speaking from a position of objectivity when I say that my favorite athlete, Kobe Bryant, is due his first regular-season MVP award this season.

I’m not even going to throw stats in your face. I won’t list his scoring average, which is second-best in the league, or his team’s record, which is the best in the Western Conference and second-best in the Association. I understand he threw his teammates, front office and owner under the bus last summer with his Andrew Bynum rampage. I understand he was advocating a trade as late as the beginning of this season.

But let’s take a look at where he and his team, the Lakers, now stand. They are a talented team that had no mental identity or maturity. They didn’t have a mission. Now, with the leadership of Kobe, they are a legit title contender. As the team leader, Kobe forced his teammates to get into a title-or-bust state of mind.Kobe has proven in the past that he can carry his team on his back for stretches of games. This season, he has showed his teammates that they are all in it together.

Even after the acquisition of Gasol, success wasn’t guaranteed. Gasol came to L.A. and immediately took on the demeanor that Kobe has forced his other teammates to carry this season. Oh, and by the way, Kobe has flat-out carried the Lakers to victory at least a few times this season. Wins against Dallas and Sacramento in the last week are just two examples.

Determined, confident and tough. This is how the Lakers can be described and that is due primarily to #24.