(Originally published May 8, 2014)
With Kevin Durant recently being named NBA MVP of the regular season, we look back at one Laker’s incredible MVP season of his own. After years of being a serious candidate for Most Valuable Player, Kobe Bryant won his first, and so far, his only MVP in 2008.
Bryant had arguably his best year during the 2005-06 season, where he averaged an astonishing 35.4 points per game. However, the voters chose to give the award to Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns as Bryant’s Lakers were barely able to sneak into the playoffs.
Bryant was finally recognized for his efforts during the 2007-08 season as the Lakers reached the top of the Western Conference once again. Bryant averaged 28.3 points, 5.4 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. Bryant also scored more points than anybody in the NBA but finished second in points per game.
Enjoy some of Bryant’s best plays from the 2007-08 season in the video above. As always, Bryant never fails to amaze with his rim-rattling dunks, ridiculous fadeaway jumpers, and dime-dropping passes.