Kobe Bryant: LVP for 2008!

First, a rape conviction, and now this? As coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson simply cannot be happy.

It just goes to show you that Kobe Bryant IS the face of NBA...A.M.J. (After Michael Jordan). Kobe harbors the me-first, image-obsessed mentality that has consumed the game since Jordan's departure. We have the 'Melo/A.I. tandem; lost in their most recent playoff run is Carmelo's widely publicized connection to LaLa, posing in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue as his fiance, not an MTV personality. There is Shaquille O'Neal; Phoenix media circles are still holding their breath over what the Big Aristotle will proclaim as his next nickname. We have Lebron James, known more for his endorsements, ESPY-hosting endeavors, and SNL appearances than his breath-taking postseason accolades. Lest we forget the thug-persona adopted by many in this miscreant-infested league (see Stephen Jackson, Stephon Marbury, and Ron Artest). The 'Good Guys' (also known in media forums as the San Antonio Spurs) transgressed their way to an NBA championship last year by barrelling Steve Nash into the scorer's table (resulting in the Game 6 and 7 Boris Diaw/Amare Stoudemire suspensions, which you can thank the Knick/Heat brawls of yesteryear for). Take an H.G. Wells stroll with me in time to May of 2007: in Game 1 of the Suns/Spurs matchup, Steve Nash was minutes away from leading his team to victory and building momentum in the series....until his nose was shattered by 'defensive specialist' Bruce Bowen, requiring lengthy attention by team trainers. By the time Nash returned to action, the Spurs had already taken advantage of the MVP's absence, winning the contest handily. When reflecting on 2007, remember the antics of Robert "Big Check Bob" Horry and Bruce Bowen, not Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, or Manu Ginobili.

(By the way, Steve Nash gives me reason to watch the NBA. He is the epitome of the consummate pro, unflagging and driven, the Phoenix Suns' rendition of an Energizer Bunny in purple and orange. The man plays hard every possession, a la Kevin Garnett, who, in this fan's dream world, might very well face the resurgent Hornets in the NBA Finals, a team ably lead by the league's future, Chris Paul.)

As much as Kobe has pieced together a stellar season without the help of injured thoroughbreds Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, he, in no way, deserves the league's Most Valuable Player award, no matter what the gaudy statistics and heroics may dictate. He should not represent this league (how can you root for a guy who switched numbers for additional jersey revenue?), for if he does, we are looking at the death of professional basketball as we know it. If last year's Finals' ratings were any indication of where the league lies, then this said, NHL-esque extinction is nearly here.

Where have you gone, Larry and Magic? This league turns its lonely eyes to you...