There is no one this decade that has had the same success as Bryant did.

There is no one this decade that can rival his individual leadership and raw talent.

One title short of a second three peat.

One thousand points shy of his former teammate, and long time arch-nemesis.

Roughly eleven thousand shy of the all time scoring record, held by Lakers second greatest of all time -- Bryant is greatest Laker.

One MVP award, and preforming at that caliber for many many years.

81 points in a single game.

Two NBA finals MVP.

Two time scoring champion

Five time NBA champion

13 time NBA All Star

Olympic Gold Medalist

Is this really all he has?

Or do people overlook important aspects?

Kobe is considered the greatest clutch player. General Managers and owners voted 70% in favor of Kobe Bryant, for what? For being the most clutch player.

He is at the epitome of his career. And yet he is playing at the same levels of the next big things in the NBA -- Lebron, Durant, Rose, Paul.

His former rivals have long fell out of the debate as to whom was the better player -- Iverson, McGrady, Carter, Duncan, Nowitzki, Arenas.

His desire to win, is like my cravings for food when I'm hungry.

Rose is the MVP front-runner this season.

But did you know Bryant's player efficiency rating and adjusted plus-minus ranking -- which is a measure of points per 100 possessions -- were better than Rose?

So the front-runner of the MVP race is actually behind Kobe?

Kobe is not even top 3 in the MVP discussion.

The heart and soul of L.A. is not credited enough for his work ethics, his talent, his leadership, his composure, and his desire to win.

Why is this so? Because people are obsessed with the next big thing. The NBA has turned into a popularity contest -- one Kobe will not win. I guess people are crazed over fresh blood, bieber fever, and Blake Griffin's dunk at the dunk contest which was the best ever -- not.

Maybe this year the voters will grace Kobe Bryant for his hard work and consistency through the years.

Time will tell, as for today the Lakers play big boys that cry.