The Cleveland Cavaliers? LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers? Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played during December.

James topped the Eastern Conference in scoring (28.6 ppg), while placing second in assists (7.6 apg), fourth in steals (1.7) and collecting 7.4 rebounds per game.  He led the Cavaliers to an NBA-best 14-3 record, a franchise best for December.  James was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Dec. 28, after averaging 28.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. James was also named Player of the Month for October/November.

Bryant led the NBA in scoring for December with 31.3 points per game, while helping the Lakers to a Western Conference-best 12-3 record.  He also finished in the top 10 in the Western Conference in assists (5.0 apg), free throw percentage (.857), steals (1.9 spg) and minutes (40.1 mpg). Bryant won back-to-back Western Conference Player of the Week awards (Dec. 21 and 28).

Other nominees for Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month were Boston?s Rajon Rondo, Charlotte?s Gerald Wallace, Golden State?s Monta Ellis, the Los Angeles Clippers? Chris Kaman, Memphis? Zach Randolph, Miami?s Dwyane Wade, New York?s David Lee, Oklahoma City?s Kevin Durant, Orlando?s Dwight Howard, Portland?s Brandon Roy, Toronto?s Chris Bosh, and Utah?s Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.