New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has been playing sensational basketball this season and has his name in the MVP candidate discussion. Coaches and peers are happy for Melo's success, but Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant credits his success to him playing the best way he knows how.

Bryant, who said earlier this week that Anthony was the toughest player he's ever guarded, said the difference between Anthony this year in comparison to last year is that last year he didn't see a guy who was being himself.

According to NYPost.com, Bryant sees Anthony going back to his ways that got him this far in his career. After last nights 116-107 loss to the Knicks, Bryant said "Melo was sensational."

"He's playing the way he's always played throughout his career. He's in an environment where they celebrate that and encourage that. He is being who he is," Bryant said.

Bryant later recalled what Anthony went through last year and spoke on their friendship outside of basketball.

"He and I are good friends," Bryant said. We talked together and last year was very tough for him because he got criticized a lot for shooting, playing the way he likes to play. And then the whole Linsanity thing happened and everybody said, 'They're better without Carmelo' and all that nonsense. You guys put the hammer on him and as a result, he kind of got a little gun shy, a little self-conscious."

Bryant said he told Anthony to be himself, to do what he does best and that now that he's playing well the media now is praising him.

 "His organization surrounded him with pieces that allowed him to do that and now all you guys are celebrating him. God bless you guys."

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