[Gotham Dark Knight]

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers needed two last-gasp shots from Kobe Bryant to beat the Phoenix Suns.
And two uncharacteristic mistakes from Phoenix star Steve Nash.
Bryant made a looping runner with seven-tenths of a second left in the fourth quarter to force overtime, and a 17-footer as time expired to lift the Lakers to an improbable 99-98 victory over the Suns and a 3-1 lead in the first-round Western Conference playoff series.
"It was the most fun shot I've ever hit, just because it's us, enjoying this as a unit," Bryant said regarding the latest in a long line of buzzer-beaters during his 10-year career.

Hmmm...Kobe is talking like a team player...maturity anyone?...NBA MVP?...just a phase he is going through?

[legend]

If the voting wasn't already done, I would wager that Kobe would easily win the MVP now. Nash, who played the last half and overtime like he was a member of the Washington Generals, would finish off the board.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by legend

If the voting wasn't already done, I would wager that Kobe would easily win the MVP now. Nash, who played the last half and overtime like he was a member of the Washington Generals, would finish off the board.

Yep...whole new level these playoffs...I have been impressed with the Kobemeister...disappointed a bit with my boy Nash...

[pete_b]

Something very strange going on here. I just think this proves the prowess of Phil Jackson. You guys are giving way too much credit to Kobe. Phil is in his groove. But are the Lakers championship material? LINK http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_NBA_PLAYOFFS_RDP?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE =DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-05-01-07-46-20

[ThePundit]

I give Kobe credit: He's playing better team ball than he has all year and that was a huge shot. Let's see if he can keep it up.

[MJHMarc]

Momentum+Motivation+Inspiration+Teamwork+Kobe+Phil Jackson=Lakers win '06 Finals.

But what are the odds? Until they add up all the ingredients, they can get close but not to the top.