Roughly two weeks ago, Kobe Bryant reeled off four straight 40-point games, which came in the midst of a five-game winning streak and suddenly there was an early favorite for league MVP.
Miami Heat's LeBron James, left, and Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant look on during the third quarter of NBA basketball game in Miami on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. The Heat won 98-87. (AP Photo/El Nuevo Herald, David Santiago) David Santiago
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The next two games, Bryant scored a combined 38 points, shot 15 for 43 (.349) from the field, the Los Angeles Lakers have lost three of their last four and the early leader just as quickly moon-walked back to the pack.
Bryant leads the league in scoring (30.4) and leads his team in assists (5.7) and steals (1.4). If he continues at this rate, particularly while battling a sprained right wrist, Bryant might wrangle his second MVP trophy. (Hard to believe he's won only one, huh?)
But what if the Lakers finish behind the new-look LA Clippers, their fellow Staples Center tenant? What if projected powerhouses Miami, Chicago and the Thunder and their superstars live up to expectations?
The preseason MVP favorite was OKC's Kevin Durant, who is off to his most efficient start by far in five NBA seasons while surrendering points for better shot selection and more assists.
Miami's LeBron James has been superb, perhaps better than ever.
Durability has played an early role with other candidates.
Reigning MVP Derrick Rose of the Bulls has missed four games with a bum toe.
Clippers point guard Chris Paul has missed four games with a hamstring.
Miami's Dwyane Wade had missed five games with a sprained ankle and the Heat has gone 5-0 without him, lowering his worth in an award based on "value."
Don't hand the MVP trophy to Bryant just yet. This season might be 16 games shorter, but there's still a long ways to go.
MVP RACE
1. LeBron James, Miami (29.9 ppg; .563 FG; .474 3FG; 7.9 rpg; 7.6 apg; 2.0 spg): James put up some crazy numbers in his first eight years, but this is shaping up as his most prolific season yet.
2. Kevin Durant, OKC (26.5 ppg; .498 FG; .366 3FG; .841 FT; 6.8 rpg; 3.3 apg; 1.2 bpg; 1.1 spg): In his quest to become an all-around player, Durant has become incredibly more efficient.
3. Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers (30.4 ppg; .454 FG; .267 3FG; .843 FT; 5.5 rpg; 5.7 apg; 1.4 spg): Had four straights 40s, but immediately cooled off. Averaging a whopping 24.5 shots per game.
Next Three: Dwight Howard (Orlando); Derrick Rose (Chicago); Kevin Love (Minnesota).
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