Sam Smith, Chicago Tribune

So how can you generally be acknowledged as the best player in the NBA and, after 12 years in the league, never be named most valuable player?

That all will change this season for Kobe Bryant.

Yes, Kevin Garnett has transformed the Celtics and Chris Paul has been a wizard for the Hornets. The Cavs might win only 25 games without LeBron James.

But Bryant has been terrific and deserving, surpassing career averages in field goal and three-point shooting, steals, assists and rebounds. He’s taking fewer shots than at any time in his previous six seasons but is second in the league in scoring (to James), averaging 28.2 points per game. His rebounding (6.0) is his best in five years (6.9 in 2002-03), his field-goal shooting (46 percent) is his highest in six years (47 in 2001-02), steals (2.0) second most in his career (2.2 in ‘02-03).

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