The L.A. Times is reporting that Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will win his first MVP Award when the NBA announces the winner next week in Los Angeles

Sources familiar with the outcome who were not authorized to speak publicly about the award until the official announcement from the league said Commissioner David Stern will be in Los Angeles next week to present the trophy to Bryant.

The award, selected by NBA writers and broadcasters, figured to go to either Bryant or New Orleans guard Chris Paul, who guided the Hornets to second place in the Western Conference in the regular season.

Kobe wins the award in his 12th NBA season.  He averaged 28.3 points 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

Personally I believe Chris Paul was the MVP and I named him Bumpshack’s MVP in my 2007-2008 NBA Awards.  I can’t find much argument with Kobe winning it though.  The NBA usually awards its veterans with the MVP Award and Kobe had never won the award before this year.  Paul is likely to win several MVP’s in due time.