Jackson breaks down the MVP race

Lakers coach Phil Jackson had this to say tonight about the MVP race, which most handicappers believe comes down to a contest between Kobe Bryant of the Lakers, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat:

“Single-handedly Wade has helped his team out. You know Cleveland puts the ball in the hands of James umpteen times a game. All the way down the stretch, he creates shots for other people or for himself. His defense has improved in a manner that’s extremely impressive and Kobe is Kobe. He’s the reigning MVP guy. So, it’s a hard choice. I’m glad I don’t have to make it.”

Reporters, rather than coaches, vote on the MVP award in the last week of the regular season.