Considering that their are only 4 given out for the entire season (Rookie Challenge MVP, All-Star Game MVP, NBA MVP [for the season], and the NBA Finals MVP), the most prestigious would easily be the NBA MVP award.
The MVP award is given in early May. Lebron James received the award like on the 3rd.
The NBA MVP gets a salary raise for every MVP award he receives.
the MVP award for 2008 was given to Kobe Bryant after he reached the 2008 NBA final.
That would be Bob Pettit, the first winner of the NBA MVP award.
Kobe Bryant won the MVP award in the 2007-08 NBA season
NBA Finals MVP
Hakeem Olajuwon - 1994
Kobe Bryant won the 2008 MVP Award
Steve Nash
2 cent
Allen Iverson