The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month presented by Kia, respectively, for games played in February.
James, who wins the award for the second consecutive month, led the league in scoring in February, averaging 30.2 points and adding 8.9 rebounds and an Eastern Conference-best 8.5 assists. Cleveland was 8-6 mark on the month as James became the first player since Magic Johnson (1988) to post triple-doubles on consecutive days twice in the same season (Feb. 19-20 and Nov. 24-25). James became the youngest player to reach 10,000 points with his 19th point at Boston on Feb. 27
Bryant led the Lakers to a 13-2 mark, averaging team highs in points (27.2 ppg), assists (5.9 apg) and steals (2.07 spg). Bryant, who shot .507 from the field, scored at least 30 points on eight occasions and netted more than 40 points twice.
Here is a closer look at the month for James and Bryant:
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Feb. 5 vs. Boston: Scored 33 points to go along with 12 assists, nine rebounds and five steals in a 114-113 win.
Feb. 19 vs. Houston: Recorded a 26-point, 13-rebound, 11-assists triple-double in a 93-85 loss.
Feb. 20 @ Indiana: Recorded his second triple-double in as many days with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in a 106-97 win.
Feb. 29 vs. Minnesota: Tallied 30 points and 13 assists in a 92-84 victory.