Why Kobe shouldn’t be the MVP

Yes, Kobe has lifted his team throughout the season and in these playoffs, but on the one year anniversary of his tirade to be traded, I feel it’s appropriate to state why he should not be the MVP. Part of the problem with the MVP in the NBA is that there is no strict definition. There were cases made for Chris Paul, KG, Lebron, and Kobe all for different reasons. Chris Paul helped revive a franchise and has them set to be a western conference power for years to come as did KG to a certain degree. Lebron is Lebron, but his supporting cast probably limited him the most in the MVP, which is ridiculous when you think about it. Any one of those players is deserving of the MVP, but the MVP usually goes to the top player on one of the best teams in a conference.

Kobe certainly fits that definition, but his trade demand one year ago today should have disqualified him for the MVP. The media and fans are too quick to forget how he wanted to quit on his team and go elsewhere. People laugh about how funny it is how the year played out for the Lakers. He stated in an interview today that he “had no choice” but to leave his team. Really? No choice but to stay with the team that you agreed to play with in your contract? It’s understandable that he wants to play on a championship contender while he is in his prime, but what he did is too selfish. No player should be above a franchise, even if it is Kobe Bryant. Players have to trust their GM will do what it takes to make the team a championship contender, which is what Mitch Kupchak has successfully done. Pau Gasol was a gift, but people forget that any team could have been aggressive and found a way to take advantage of Memphis GM Chris Wallace. People are hard on Chris Wallace, but the worst decision that involved the Lakers this year was the Chicago Bulls not pulling the trigger on the trade to get the best player in the NBA. Sometimes the worst decisions made are not what the media discusses such as the MVP choice or Memphis’ return from the Gasol trade, but the trades that fall through.

Gasol probably helped Kobe win the MVP this year as much as anyone because no one can make an argument that Kobe has elevated his game this year. He is the same player as last year, but his supporting cast has improved/matured to allow him to win the individual award.

What’s your take?

-YTS