Bryant named MVP

May 6, 2008 - 11:35 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Long considered the NBA's most talented player, Kobe Bryant has been recognized as its Most Valuable Player.

In his 12th season, the superstar guard of the Los Angeles Lakers was awarded his first league MVP at a news conference Tuesday.

Bryant received 1,100 points, including 82 first-place votes, beating out New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul, who finished second in the voting with 28 first-place votes and 894 points.

"I really don't know what to say, it's such an honor and a blessing to be here," Bryant said. "It's a very special day for me."

Labeled as a selfish player, Bryant apparently turned his mind-set around, letting his all-around game flourish this campaign.

The 29-year-old ranked second in the league at 28.3 points per game to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

While his stats fell a bit, he became a willing passer and a good teammate, also showing the ability to play through pain while nursing a torn ligament in his pinkie finger for much of the season.

"I couldn't have won this award without the play of my teammates," Bryant said. "I can't thank these guys enough. We won this award."

Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett finished third with 670 points and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James received 438 points, finishing in fourth in what was a heavily debated race for much of the season.

"I want to offer my congratulations to Kobe," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "I don't think anyone has ever worked as hard and there's no person more deserving."

Bryant becomes the first Lakers player to receive the award since Shaquille O'Neal won in 2000, capping a whirlwind season for the Los Angeles superstar.

Bryant littered the offseason with on-again, off-again trade demands and had a reported rift with Lakers' management, which he accused of not doing its best to improve the team.

Los Angeles, which had not gotten out of the first round of the playoffs in three seasons before ousting the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets in four games this campaign, appeased Bryant by acquiring former All-Star center Pau Gasol in coupe from the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1.

The trade accompanied the development of the Lakers' young supporting cast. Center Andrew Bynum, who reportedly will not be back this postseason after a knee injury, had been one of the most improved players in the league prior to his injury.

As a result, the addition of Gasol and the development of his teammates was the perfect recipe for a standout season for the 29-year-old Bryant, who has been considered the best player in the league for several seasons.

The 6-6 guard led the Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference and a first-round sweep over the Denver Nuggets, scoring 33.5 points during the series.

Bryant scored 38 points - including making a career high and franchise record 21 free throws - in a 109-98 victory against the fourth-seeded Utah Jazz in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday.