Bryant wins honor

Kobe Bryant was named the Western Conference’s player of the month for December. Bryant led the conference-leading Lakers to an 11-4 record in the month, averaging 28.2 points. He topped 30 points five times during the month, hitting his season high of 41 during the Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic on Dec. 20.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat was the Eastern Conference player of the month.