Hawks G Johnson, Lakers F Bryant honored by NBA

Apr 7, 2008 - 7:08 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson and Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant on Monday were named theNBA Players of the Week. Johnson captured the award in the Eastern Conference, leadingthe Hawks to a 3-1 week by averaging 25.3 points.Sparked by Johnson, the Hawks (36-41) are closing in on theirfirst playoff appearance since the 1998-99 season. Atlantaholds the final postseason berth, three games ahead of Indiana (33-44).Bryant led the Lakers to three wins last week, averaging 30.0points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists.Los Angeles (53-24) leads the Pacific Division, two games infront of Phoenix (51-26) with five games left.