New York, NY (Sports Network) - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant were named Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for the games played in January.
James posted averages of 27.8 points, 8.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game in helping Cleveland go 10-4. He had three triple-doubles in the month, and led the Cavs to a win over the defending NBA champion Celtics on January 9, scoring 38 points with seven boards, six assists, four steals and three blocks.
Like James, Bryant filled the stat sheet with averages of 27.2 points, 7.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds. The Lakers guard had two triple-doubles, helping LA go 12-4. Bryant also had his second 40-point game of the season on January 2 against Utah.
Other nominees for the awards were Charlotte's Raja Bell, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, Indiana's Danny Granger, Orlando's Dwight Howard, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, New York's David Lee, Phoenix' Steve Nash, Denver's Nene, Portland's Brandon Roy, Houston's Luis Scola, Milwaukee's Charlie Villanueva and Miami's Dwyane Wade.
