Magic C Howard, Lakers G Bryant honored by NBA

Jan 12, 2009 - 8:48 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant were named Players of the Week for the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, on Monday.

Howard averaged 19.5 points and 14.7 rebounds the past week, leading the Magic to a 4-0 mark.

The current leader in the All-Star balloting, Howard is looking to become just the fourth player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding (13.8 rpg) and blocks (3.8 bpg) in the same season.

Howard recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds in a 105-98 win over San Antonio on Sunday.

Bryant, who is second to Howard in All-Star balloting, averaged 28.8 points as the Lakers posted a 3-1 record last week. The reigning league MVP, Bryant is third in the league in scoring (27.0 ppg).

Bryant poured in 36 points and a season-high 13 assists in a 121-119 win over Indiana on Friday.

Other nominees were, Cleveland's LeBron James, Houston's Von Wafer, Miami's Dwyane Wade, New Jersey's Vince Carter, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge and Utah's Paul Millsap.