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Bryant most deserves to be named MVP

It won't be much of a surprise when LeBron James is named the NBA's MVP for the 2011-12 regular season.

It will be James' third MVP award and first with the Miami Heat. With his ability to do most anything he wishes on the court â€" on offense and defense â€" James deserves the MVP trophy.

But Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers deserves it more.

In his 16th season, Bryant is still playing at a level most NBA players can only dream about. But possibly because he's viewed as a selfish player, Bryant often is overlooked for the MVP award he's won only once â€" in 2008.

This season, he averaged 27.9 points (the most since his MVP season) and 38.5 minutes â€" not bad for a 33-year-old veteran who lately has been labeled too old, too slow and too injury-prone.

Only Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant â€" who also deserves MVP consideration â€" topped Bryant in both categories.

Bryant could have tried to win the scoring title in the season finale against the Kings. Instead, he chose the Lakers over his personal agenda, sitting out the game and resting for the playoffs.

He easily could have sat out a game or two after suffering a broken nose and concussion from a hard foul by Miami's Dwyane Wade in the All-Star Game. But Bryant strapped on a plastic mask and averaged 31.3 points and 43.1 minutes in the next six games.

James, however, will join Larry Bird and Magic Johnson as three-time MVP award winners. If James stays healthy, he eventually will catch â€" and then pass â€" Michael Jordan at five.

Bryant, despite being fifth on the all-time scoring list and a 14-time All-Star, probably will not win a second MVP award if he can't win this season.

That's unjust, especially considering Steve Nash â€" really, Steve Nash? â€" has two MVP awards.

We're guessing Bryant's five NBA championships will have to do for now.

What to do

Baseball, River Cats vs. Colorado Springs, Raley Field, 7:05 p.m.: The Cats begin a four-game home series against the Sky Sox.

Today's poll

Who is the NBA's MVP?

• Kobe Bryant

• Kevin Durant

• LeBron James

• Other

Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports

Weekend poll results

Which King is the most "untouchable" in an offseason trade?

• DeMarcus Cousins: 69%

• Tyreke Evans: 4%

• Isaiah Thomas: 9%

• Marcus Thornton: 2%

• None: 16%

Total votes: 547

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