A number of NBA scouts believe that Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are the leading candidates for this season's MVP award.

"LeBron does so much for his team. And he's the most talented player in the NBA and the best athlete in the NBA. But Kobe has mastered the game just like Jordan did," a scout told ESPN.

"LeBron has to strip Kobe of the MVP trophy, and he has not done that yet."

James is having a tremendous season, but the belief is that Bryant does more for his team.

"Kobe is still the better player, but LeBron is having the better season. He does more things, and his team would be a lot worse without him [than the Lakers without Kobe]," said another scout.