Kobe Bryant takes MVP for 2007-08

Kobe Bryant, the superstar Los Angeles Lakers guard, has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

A 12-year veteran, Bryant led the Lakers past the Denver Nuggets with a sweep in the first round of the playoffs, averaging 35.5 points per game.

LOS ANGELES (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was named the 2007-08 NBA's Most Valuable Player Tuesday.

Bryant, the fourth Laker to win the award, finished second in the NBA in scoring (28.3 ppg). He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while leading the Lakers to the best record (57-25) in the Western Conference.

New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, who averaged a league-best 11.6 assists per game along with 21.1 points and 4.0 rebounds.

"It's been one hell of a year," said the 29-year-old Bryant. "To watch the development of our younger players and see the development of this team has been amazing. There is nothing like winning a championship but this is special."

Bryant's previously highest finish in the MVP balloting was last season when he finished third behind winner Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash.

A 12-year veteran, Bryant led the Lakers past the Denver Nuggets with a sweep in the first round of the playoffs, averaging 35.5 points per game.

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