At this point in his career -- climbing into the ranks of the greatest players in basketball history -- when Shaquille O'Neal really wants something, he usually gets it.

There isn't anyone good enough -- and big enough -- to stop him.

Michael Jordan is too old, Tim Duncan too weak, Allen Iverson too little, and Chris Webber too intimidated by the big fellow.

So maybe we should just cut through the season and all that silly voting, and make the announcement now.

Kobe Bryant -- and not O'Neal -- will win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award this season.

Why?