In case you haven’t noticed, it’s already December.

And as far as basketball fans are concerned, the 2008-09 NBA basketball season is now a month-old. That means it’s time to award the two best players in the Eastern and Western Conference and as far as THAT is concerned, we have two obvious winners.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James and New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul were named Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively.

James averaged 28.6 points on .497 shooting, 7.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 15 games played during the month for the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is the eighth time in James’ career that he has been honored with the award. James scored 41 points three times during November, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan in 1991 to break 40 points three times in his team’s first eight games.

During November, James ranked second in the NBA in points per game (28.6) and ranked sixth in assists (6.2) and steals (2.1) among Eastern Conference players. James led his team to a 13-2 record during the month, which tied for the most wins in a month in franchise history and was their best November record ever. James also won Eastern Conference Player of the Week twice during the month.

Meanwhile, Chris Paul averaged 20.3 points, 11.6 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals during the month, while leading the New Orleans Hornets to a 9-6 record.

In that time, Chris Paul has collected league-leading totals of two triple-doubles and 12 double-doubles. This was the third time Paul was honored as Player of the Month in his still young career.

‘’It is an honor to receive this award, especially with how many great players are in this conference,'’ Chris Paul said. ‘’I have to give a lot of credit to my coaches and teammates; we are all striving towards one collective goal, a championship.'’

Who will win the 2009 NBA Finals? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Boston Celtics 4.00

Los Angeles Lakers 4.50

Detroit Pistons 9.00

San Antonio Spurs 9.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more basketball betting odds. Want to watch the NBA live? Get NBA tickets online now.

LeBron James Chris Paul