Id have to go with Kobe and then Chris Paul. Paul is a great player, but I think his supporting cast is stronger than Kobe's (before the Gasol trade). Kevin Garnett is averaging 19 ppg and 9 rebounds a game. Those are not MVP numbers.
It's close but I'd go with LeBron - imo, best player in the league and without him they lose to everyone. And it's not like there can be made an argument that they 'look better' without him but just lack talent (like it's been said about Kobe and this season about T-Mac), the times I've watched them they are absolutely miserable.
LeBron scores 33 to beat the Celtics tonight. One more guy who has a really good chance of winning it.