Friday looming large in MVP race

April 8th, 2008, 6:47 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Curtis Zupke, Staff writer

Friday’s game between the Lakers and New Orleans is looming larger with Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul seemingly running head-to-head in the MVP race.Both players are putting up fantastic statistics, but the unofficial rule that the player with the best team gets the nod. Coach Phil Jackson confirmed that before Tuesday’s game.

“I think winning the West is probably the most important thing,” Jackson said. “It’s going to have a big influence.”

The Lakers entered Tuesday 1 1/2 games behind New Orleans for the top seed in the West. They will meet at Staples Center.

Paul was averaging 21.5 points, 11.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. Bryant was averaging 28.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists a game.

Jackson gave credit to Paul for his ascendance to MVP consideration and threw in another candidate.

“I think Chris has vaulted into that,” he said. “(Kevin) Garnett obviously is going to be in the running. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of votes in the East.”

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