ctlim - he never compared himself to MJ. Kobe has always said he can never be MJ and there can only be one MJ. But the talent Kobe has is something that no other NBA player has. A lot of people/writers aknowledge how he is the best in the NBA right now (I know there is a lot of argument there) just like MJ was during his time.
If one wants to be great you have to copy great players ahead of you and try to improve on it. They are your idols and you really try to mimic them.
As for the MVP, I don't suppose you wanted MJ to win this years MVP. Truth is Kobe is one of the best this year -- that is why they are in the Finals.
Kobe will always be -- either you hate him or love him. No in between just because you have to appreciate how good he is at playing basketball. I just think it's unfair Kobe is shot down with a comparison to MJ yet he never said anything that he is comparable to MJ.
PS: Yes, I am a Kobe fan