This time, the chants of ``MVP...MVP...MVP'' from the crowd at Staples Center had more meaning for Kobe Bryant.

``That had a little bit more weight to it,'' Bryant said. ``Because before it was like, `Huh, thanks, but I'm not going to win it anyway.'''

A report has said Bryant will be named the NBA's most valuable player this week.

Though it has been written about and Bryant has been asked about it frequently, the NBA has yet to officially make an announcement.

Bryant had his little daughter, Gianna Maria, sitting in his lap while he spoke to the media after the game.

Bryant was asked if his daughter knows what an MVP is.

``No, I don't think so,'' Bryant said. ``She chants defense, though.''

-- Broderick Turner
-- bturner@PE.com

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