Kobe Bryant caps an amazing 2007-08 season by winning his first-ever MVP award.

After 11 dominating years in the league, three championship rings and two consecutive scoring titles, it’s hard to believe that Kobe has just won his first-ever MVP award.

Analysts were expecting the voting to be close, with New Orlean’s Chris Paul being his toughest competition, but in the end, Kobe got 82 of the 126 first-place votes. After the year LA had, from the tough start to the season, the loss of Bynum, the midseason trade, Kobe’s finger injury to the first place Western Conference finish, it only made sense that he walk away with the prize.

But to Kobe, the real award is the championship. Even as he accepted the MVP trophy, he knew what was most important.

“I’m deeply honored to be here,” said Bryant. “This is a team award. This is not an individual award. The special thing about this award is that we did it together. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Kobe’s season is still far from over, but the recognition of his great play this season has already started.