Props, Lebron

"I know I got no chance if Kobe Bryant has never won it."
-- Cavs forward LeBron James, on his MVP candidacy this year compared to others.

 

It's unfortunate that just because he can admit doesn't mean jack to the voters. The press hasn't liked Kobe for years, calling him selfish, a horrible teammate, etc. They can't give him his due credit. So, even though he probably should get the MVP this year, unless voters all the sudden realize how damn good he is and how important he is to the Lakers, he probably won't be winning the MVP.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 14 2008, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It's unfortunate that just because he can admit doesn't mean jack to the voters. The press hasn't liked Kobe for years, calling him selfish, a horrible teammate, etc. They can't give him his due credit. So, even though he probably should get the MVP this year, unless voters all the sudden realize how damn good he is and how important he is to the Lakers, he probably won't be winning the MVP.</div>

I think the Press has definitely mellowed out though.

The Press, imo, needed some time to adjust to seeing someone take 27 shots a game in 2005-2006, and actually have a good TS%. Kobe was also still reeling from the Shaq trade, but slowly people have realized he made some valid points before in that dark era and he has a great relationship with Phil now.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 14 2008, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It's unfortunate that just because he can admit doesn't mean jack to the voters. The press hasn't liked Kobe for years, calling him selfish, a horrible teammate, etc. They can't give him his due credit. So, even though he probably should get the MVP this year, unless voters all the sudden realize how damn good he is and how important he is to the Lakers, he probably won't be winning the MVP.</div>

Yeah, you're right his opinion won't matter. It's just nice to hear that from the media's posterboy, you know?

You know what's also pretty sad? If the Lakers do anything meaningful this year, you'll hear everyone and their mother demean the achievement by saying Kobe couldn't have done it without Gasol/Bynum. While that is true to an extent, it's still a really lame thing to dwell on.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yodawgsup @ Feb 14 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 14 2008, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It's unfortunate that just because he can admit doesn't mean jack to the voters. The press hasn't liked Kobe for years, calling him selfish, a horrible teammate, etc. They can't give him his due credit. So, even though he probably should get the MVP this year, unless voters all the sudden realize how damn good he is and how important he is to the Lakers, he probably won't be winning the MVP.</div>

Yeah, you're right his opinion won't matter. It's just nice to hear that from the media's posterboy, you know?

You know what's also pretty sad? If the Lakers do anything meaningful this year, you'll hear everyone and their mother demean the achievement by saying Kobe couldn't have done it without Gasol/Bynum. While that is true to an extent, it's still a really lame thing to dwell on.
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But this was also a year where the West was even more loaded then usual, just look at the Standings.

Paul and Bryant have an edge over those Eastern candidates.

 

Agreed. I honestly think anyone out East should be disqualified from the MVP voting because of how pathetic that conference is. At this point, they have only FIVE FREAKING TEAMS above .500. That means three teams with losing records are going to make the playoffs, and that just makes me sick. Beyond that, I have a hunch that seeds 6-8 won't have more than 40 wins. That's completely unacceptable, but that's what happens when the West is so damn good while the East is so damn pathetic. And we wonder why the Lakers and Spurs have won 7 of the last 9 NBA titles, sheesh.