Kobe Bryant Outshines Youngsters At All-Star Game

Added on Feb 21, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Budding star Blake Griffin stole the headlines on Saturday by winning the Slam Dunk competition, but it was graybeard Kobe Bryant who secured his rightful place among the game’s greatest on Sunday by seizing his record tying fourth All-Star Game MVP. Bryant paced all scorers with 37 points and tied the fourth highest single game total in All-Star history. Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and LeBron James all posted excellent numbers, but playing on his home floor, Kobe was the star of stars.

He finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, which was good enough to help the West to a 148-143 victory, and hold off James’ incredible triple-double. James joined Michael Jordan as the only players to record triple-doubles in All-Star competition.

Bryant was motivated to impress in front of a celebrity-packed Staples Center and didn’t disappoint. He even took time to be a little nostalgic after being awarded his MVP trophy:

“It feels great, being at home here and playing in front of the home crowd,” Bryant said after receiving the MVP trophy. “This will be my last All-Star game in front of these home fans, so it feels good to do it.”

At 32, in his 14th season, one can’t help but wonder how many more years Bryant will don the purple and gold. He’s won five titles, a pair of Finals MVPs, the 2007-08 league MVP and appeared in 13 All-Star games. Could a sixth championship in June be his swan song?

Kobe still has plenty of gas left in the proverbial tank, but with Phil Jackson set to call it quits at season’s end, it would be a logical time to walk away, especially if the Lakers pull off another three-peat. Over 1200 games and 36 minutes a night can take a toll on the body. It’s never easy to hang up the jersey, but one could hardly blame Bryant if that’s what he decided to do.

Source: ESPN.com