USA TODAY picked Kobe Bryant and LeBron James for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, for games played Monday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 22.
Bryant led the Lakers to a 3-0 week, averaging 29.8 points (second in the Western Conference), 6.7 rebounds and a team-high 6.7 assists. With his free throw at the 6:07 mark of the third quarter on Nov. 19, Bryant moved past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24,176) for second on the Lakers’ all-time franchise scoring list; Bryant trails only Jerry West (25,192). On Nov. 17, Bryant recorded his fourth 40-point game of season in a 106-93 win over Detroit.
James averaged a league-best 34.3 points on .583 shooting from the field, 5.8 rebounds and a team-high 9.3 assists, leading the Cavaliers to a 3-1 week. James was the only Eastern Conference player to score 30 or more points in each of his games and recorded his first 40-point game of the season in a 105-95 win over Indiana on Nov. 20.
Here is a recap of the week for Bryant and James:
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Nov. 17 vs. Detroit: Tallied 40 points, five rebounds and five assists in a 106-93 win over the Pistons.
Nov. 19 vs. Chicago: Posted 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in a 108-93 win over the Bulls.
Nov. 22 vs. Oklahoma City: Scored 26 points and added six rebounds, seven assists and two steals in a 101-85 win over the Thunder
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Nov. 17 vs. Golden State: Posted 31 points, five rebounds and 12 assists in a 114-108 win over the Warriors.
Nov. 18 @ Washington: Scored 34 points to go along with two rebounds, nine assists and two steals in a 108-91 loss to the Wizards.
Nov. 20 @ Indiana: Poured in 40 points and added nine rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal in a 105-95 win over the Pacers.
Nov. 21 vs. Philadelphia: Tallied 32 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in a 97-91 win over the Sixers.
