Tomorrow’s story today …

Mike Brown doesn’t have a vote, but he offered a ringing endorsement for Kobe Bryant as the league’s MVP. The Lakers’ coach spoke at length about Bryant’s qualifications Tuesday at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

“Yes, he definitely should be involved in the MVP talks,” Brown said. “I think it’s hilarious that he’s not. … Everybody is talking about how he’s 85 years old or whatever they’re saying. And he’s leading the league in scoring.

“He’s efficient. He’s got his team in a good position. I truly believe this team, especially with a guy like that, can be dangerous come playoff time. There’s no doubt in my mind that Kobe Bryant should be mentioned in the MVP talk. I’m baffled.”

Bryant went into Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons averaging a league-leading 28.9 points on 44.4 percent shooting in 38 minutes despite playing with a torn ligament in his right wrist and then a broken nose, a concussion and associated neck pain.

Right knee and left ankle injuries left him earthbound for most of the last two seasons, so he traveled to Germany last summer to have a procedure done that has worked wonders to restore the explosiveness in his legs.

Bryant, 33, doesn’t jump quite like he did when he was 23, but he has regained some quickness and lift. He looked especially sharp during the Lakers’ three-game homestand after the All-Star Break, averaging 34 points on 54.3 percent shooting.

Reporters who cover the NBA vote on awards such as MVP near the end of the season.