Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been named as the NBA's Most Valuable Player.
Lakers star gets top accolade for first time in his career
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been crowned the NBA's Most Valuable Player.
The 29-year-old receives the accolade for the first time after 12 seasons in the league.
He averaged 28.3 points, 5.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds in the regular season, helping the Lakers finish with the best record in the Western Conference.
Bryant beat out stiff competition from New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He will be presented with the trophy on Wednesday night before the Lakers' second game in the semi-final series against the Utah Jazz.
