MVP+year+and+trip+to+the+finals

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MVP year and trip to the finals
On May 27, 2007, [|ESPN] reported that Bryant stated that he wanted to be traded if [|Jerry West] did not return to the team with full authority. [|[104]] Bryant later confirmed his desire for West's return to the franchise, but denied stating that he would want to be traded if that does not occur. [|[105]] However, three days later, on [|Stephen A. Smith] 's radio program, Bryant expressed anger over a Lakers "insider" who claimed that Bryant was responsible for [|Shaquille O'Neal] 's departure from the team, and publicly stated, "I want to be traded." [|[106]] Three hours after making that statement, Bryant stated in another interview that after having a conversation with head coach [|Phil Jackson], he has reconsidered his decision and backed off his trade request. [|[107]] Bryant would later be shown on an infamous amateur video saying that center [|Andrew Bynum] should have been traded for All-Star [|Jason Kidd]. [|[108]][|[109]]  Bryant's Lakers lost to the [|Boston Celtics] in 6 games during the [|2008 NBA Finals]. On December 23, 2007, Bryant became the youngest player (29 years, 122 days) to reach 20,000 points, in a game against the [|New York Knicks], in [|Madison Square Garden]. [|[110]] Despite an injury to his shooting hand's small finger, described as "a complete tear of the [|radial collateral ligament], an [|avulsion fracture] , and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint" that occurred in a game on February 5, 2008, Bryant played all 82 games of the regular season instead of opting for surgery. Regarding his injury, he stated, "I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that myself [// [|sic] //] and the Lakers' medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis." [|[111]] In early September 2008, Bryant decided not to have surgery to repair the injury. [|[112]] Leading his team to a West best 57–25 record, they swept the Nuggets in the first round and on May 6, 2008, Bryant was officially announced as the [|NBA Most Valuable Player award], his first for his career. [|[113]] He said, "It's been a long ride. I'm very proud to represent this organization, to represent this city." [|[114]] [|Jerry West], who was responsible for bringing Bryant to the Lakers, was on hand at the press conference to observe Bryant receive his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern. He stated, "Kobe deserved it. He's had just another great season. Doesn't surprise me one bit." [|[115]] In addition to winning his MVP award, Bryant was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team on May 8, 2008 for the third straight season and sixth time in his career. [|[116]] He would then headline the NBA All-Defensive First Team with [|Kevin Garnett], receiving 52 points overall including 24 first-place nods, earning his eighth selection. [|[117 ]] media type="youtube" key="1eYtBQ9tzyE" height="315" width="560"

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