Though Bryant is second to James in scoring this season, Bryant is having a career year. He is surpassing his career averages in field-goal and 3-point shooting, steals, assists and rebounds and taking fewer shots per game than anytime in the last six years. His rebounding is his best in five years, shooting his highest in six, steals second most in his career. And doing much of this with a finger doctors say needs surgery.

Forgotten in all this are a few remarkable factors.

There's no talk anymore about a finger injury that would have many players out for the season. Bryant hasn't missed a game all season. He's the only one of the serious contenders who can say that.

And, by George, he got it.

Bryant is averaging about 20 shots per game, fewer than James. It's especially significant with Bryant, whom voters have rejected in recent years with the excuse he doesn't make teammates better because he shoots so much. I recall voters saying that about this Michael Jordan guy in the mid-1980's.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson remembers that as well as an assistant on the Bulls staff, and he's seen a change in Bryant this season.

"Kobe has turned the corner," Jackson told me. "I don't know, but he's gotten IT. 'The star makes his mates better.' And he has done that in spades. His defense has been remarkable and he has been willing to make the 'right' plays."

And it's not like Bryant is playing with an All-Star team.

The only player on the Lakers who's been an All-Star is Pau Gasol, who arrived in midseason from the lowly Grizzlies and then was out for several week with an ankle injury. Andrew Bynum began to develop early in the season into a solid second scoring option, but then was hurt after 35 games and has yet to return. The Lakers seemingly have the least talent among the teams with the top MVP contenders. Perhaps the Cavs have less, though they have several former All-Stars. And the Cavs are just barely a fourth playoff seed in the far weaker Eastern Conference.

And try to find anyone in the NBA who'll say Bryant isn't the best finisher in the game and the best overall, individual player. You won't.

So what's the debate?

Here's my ballot.

1. Bryant. Gets his first MVP.

2. Garnett. Should pick up top Defensive Player award.

3. Paul. Slick point guard for the next decade.

4. Steve Nash. Brilliant in transforming his game to accommodate Shaq.

5. James. His time is coming.

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