This year’s MVP race is extremely interesting with potential candidates, including the basketball maestro Luka Doncic. But what makes it more intriguing is the mystery behind how the NBA chooses the winner. In fact, the criterion for choosing an MVP is still unknown even to the NBA legends like Gilbert Arenas and Shaquille O’Neal. Talking about the 2024 MVP lineup, the 3x NBA All-Star gives an example of Kobe Bryant in the NBA. It is no news that the Black Mamba has only one regular season MVP from 2008 and two NBA Finals MVPs. From his vast career stretched over 20 seasons, this number is extremely low.

Commenting on the same, Arenas says, “When Kobe was doing what Kobe was doing, he didn’t win MVP.” Adding to his points, the Washington Wizards legend mentioned, “If you look at Wilt Chamberlain’s stats and how many MVPs he has vs the stats he has, then no I don’t even wanna consider having this conversation about Luka and if winning wasn’t involved. If it was or wasn’t involved, the MVPs would look different across the board.” Arenas also added, “When we see the history, there’s a bunch of people, Wilt Chamberlain, who was doing stuff like this. If we’re considering it now, no thank you.”

Gilbert Arenas was pointing out the fact that one of the reasons why Luka Doncic is in the MVP prospects is because he is playing incredibly well for the Dallas Mavericks. So much so, that they may even end the season with a much better rank with him eventually leading the NBA in scoring, a result of his multiple triple-double stretches.

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However, it is strongly believed that simply having impeccable personal stats does not make you an MVP. In fact, that may be one of the reasons why Kobe only grabbed a single chance for the same.

Why did Kobe Bryant not win another MVP?

No one would argue that Kobe Bryant was a team player. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has brought five championships home during his 20-year-long career. However, his shining accolades only consist of a singular MVP title. According to Kobe’s beliefs, the media voted for the MVP. And, his wish to contribute to the team was a much higher priority than accumulating personal achievements.

Hence, despite having a high average going as high as 35.4 ppg in 2006, Kobe Bryant did not become MVP. Nevertheless, he was usually in the top positions for the same, but always one step behind his tough competitors. Furthermore, between Shaq leaving the Lakers and the eventual partnership with Pau Gasol, Bryant and Co. were struggling to secure a good finish in a tough Western Conference.

Certainly, Gilbert may be correct when it comes to the title of MVP, it is not about the individual numbers alone. It will be interesting to see who gets this year’s MVP between Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the trailing Luka Doncic.

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