LeBron James, Kobe Bryant named Players of the Week

The Cleveland Cavaliers' 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, Dec. 21, through Sunday, Dec. 27.

James led the Eastern Conference in scoring (28.8 ppg), was second in assists (7.3 apg) and added 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals as Cleveland went 4-0 on the week, including three wins on the road. On Dec. 23, James recorded his second triple-double of the season with 34 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a 117-104 overtime win at Sacramento. James' 29 points on Dec. 21 helped the Cavaliers snap Phoenix's 19-game home win streak. This is James' second Player of the Week nod this season.

Bryant paced the league in scoring (37.7 ppg) and added 8.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.7 steals (first in the Western Conference), leading the Lakers to a 2-1 week. Bryant led the Lakers in scoring in all three contests, and on Dec. 22 scored 40 points to go along with eight rebounds, six assists and two steals in a 111-108 win over Oklahoma City. This is Bryant's third Player of the Week nod this season and second consecutive.

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

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Dec. 21 @ Phoenix: Posted 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in a 109-91 win over the Suns.

Dec. 23 @ Sacramento: Scored 34 points to go along with 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a 117-104 win over the Kings.

Dec. 25 @ L.A. Lakers: Tallied 26 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals in a 102-87 win over the Lakers.

Dec. 27 vs. Houston: Recorded 29 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals in a 108-83 win over the Rockets.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Dec. 22 vs. Oklahoma City: Poured in 40 points and added eight rebounds, six assists and two steals in a 111-108 win over the Thunder.

Dec. 25 vs. Cleveland: Recorded 35 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals in a 102-87 loss to the Cavaliers.

Dec. 26 @ Sacramento: Posted 38 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals in a 112-103 win over the Kings.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta's Al Horford, Cleveland's Mo Williams, Dallas' Erick Dampier, Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Kaman, Memphis' Zach Randolph, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Portland's Brandon Roy.