Heat's James, Lakers' Bryant named Players of the Week

The Miami Heat's LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 2, through Sunday, Jan. 8.

James helped the Heat to a 3-1 week, leading Miami in scoring in all three contests in which he appeared.

James averaged 31.0 points on .607 shooting from the field, to go along with 9.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.33 steals. James' 33-point, 13-assist double-double keyed Miami's largest win of the week, a 118-83 victory over Indiana on Jan. 4.

Bryant guided the Lakers to a 3-1 week, including wins over Houston, Golden State and Memphis. Bryant's 33.0 point average led the league, and he added 6.3 assists while playing a team-high 38.0 minutes. Bryant, who eclipsed the 30-point plateau in three of the Lakers' four games, tallied a season-high 39 points on 13-of-28 shooting during a 97-90 win over the Warriors on Jan. 6.

Here is a recap of the week for James and Bryant:

Jan. 2 vs. Atlanta: Recorded 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 100-92 loss to Atlanta.

Jan. 4 vs. Indiana: Tallied 33 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and two steals in a 118-83 win over the Pacers.

Jan. 7 @ New Jersey: Posted 32 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals in a 101-90 win over the Nets.

Jan. 3 vs. Houston: Tallied 37 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 108-99 win over the Rockets.

Jan. 6 vs. Golden State: Scored a season-high 39 points and added seven assists during a 97-90 victory over the Warriors.

Jan. 8 vs. Memphis: Posted 26 points and chipped in with nine assists as the Lakers notched a 90-82 victory over the Grizzlies.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Chicago's Carlos Boozer, Indiana's Roy Hibbert, Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, Miami's Chris Bosh, Minnesota's Kevin Love, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, Philadelphia's Jrue Holiday, Phoenix's Steve Nash, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge and San Antonio's Richard Jefferson.