NEW YORK, March 1, 2013 - The Los Angele Lakers’ Kobe Bryant today was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for games played in February.

Los Angele Lakers’ Kobe Bryant was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Month

Bryant guided Los Angeles to a 9-4 month, pacing the team in points with 23.9 ppg and assists with 6.6 apg, while adding 6.7 rpg. Bryant closed the month with four games (three victories) of at least 29 points, including a 40-point effort – his fifth this season -- on 15-of-23 shooting in the Lakers’ 111-107 win over Portland Feb. 22. He recorded three games of at least 30 points, giving him 24 for the season, which ties Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant for the most such games in 2012-13.

Here is a closer look at the month for Bryant:

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Feb. 5 @ Brooklyn: Had 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals in a 92-93 victory against the Nets.

Feb. 10 @ Miami: Recorded 28 points, nine assists and six rebounds in a 107-99 loss to the Heat.

Feb. 24 @ Dallas: Collected 38 points -- on 13-of-21 shooting, including 4-of-5 from distance -- 12 rebounds and seven assists in the Lakers’ 103-99 win at the Mavericks’.

Other nominees were Denver’s Ty Lawson; Houston’s James Harden; Memphis’ Zach Randolph; Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and San Antonio’s Tony Parker