NBA: The MVP battle

The latest standings:

1) Kobe Bryant: The Lakers have won 10 straight and Kobe is putting up almost 29 a game. And he is never beaten - just look at that fadeaway 3-pointer that sunk the Heat in the final seconds. He has his team head and shoulders above the rest of the West and you get the feeling that he has a little more still up his sleeve.

2) Carmelo Anthony: His 20+ points in every game streak came to an end in Philadelphia but he has another strong week. The up and down Nuggets have dropped their last two but Melo's 40 in Detroit shows there is nothing wrong with his game. He continues to destroy teams in one-on-one situations but will need more from his colleagues if Denver are to close in on the Lakers.

3) LeBron James: Losses to Memphis and Houston have raised eyebrows but LeBron keeps bringing it. With 28 points a night and eight assists, he is doing more than his share. The Cavs seem a step or two behind the Celtics and Magic yet there is little more the King could be doing to remedy that.

4) Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk is on his way to a career year. The Mavs earned a big win over the Suns this week and the German is firing in 27 a game with his wide range of jumpers. He is also making an impact with his blocks and rebounds as Dallas push for the number two spot in the West.

5) Dwight Howard: There is a still a feeling that there is a lot more to come but what Orlando are currently getting is pretty special. With double-double in his last nine games, Superman has been a major factor in the Magic's good run but was well-subdued by the Jazz this week.

6) Dwyane Wade: His field goal percentage is down but Wade is still scoring 27 a night with six dimes and almost two steals. The Heat fought hard out West and came close to sinking the Lakers to go with a big win in Portland. Wade is leading by example but needs a little more from the supporting cast.

7) Kevin Durant: You cannot grumble about 27 points, seven boards and three assists a night. The Thunder are 11-9 and can taste the playoffs but so much depends on Durant's play. With Greg Oden going down with another injury, the Thunder small forward is looking an even bigger steal with the number two pick up that year.

8) Kevin Garnett: The fact that the highest Celtic comes in at number eight after a nine-game winning run shows the team ethic in Boston. The Celtics are top of the East for numerous reasons but Garnett's intense defense and deadly jumper are two of the biggest.

9) Steve Nash: The Suns are sinking fast and Nash's stock has fallen somewhat as a result. As his team-mates struggle, he has stepped up his scoring - putting up 32 against the Kings - but Phoenix have taken some tough losses with Nash's assists tally dipping.

10) Brandon Roy: Roy has raised his game another notch since Greg Oden's injury, threatening the 30-point mark in a couple of games. He is averaging 21 points a night and his leadership will be vital as the 14-9 Blazers look to put a run together and close in on the Jazz and Nuggets in the Northwest.