Image via Complex Original
Kobe Bryant’s dedication to basketball is legendary. Tales of his work ethic—4 a.m. lifting sessions, all-night practices, bike rides through the desert, watching game film at halftime—have been floating around since he came into the league in 1996. The man is consumed by the game. It’s hard, maybe even impossible, to turn that sort of competitive drive off, so he generally doesn’t. Even though Kobe won’t be showing out in Zoom City this year—although we wouldn’t put it past him from balling in a sling—here are 10 moments where he took it to the limit at All-Star Weekend.
The Broken Nose
Year: 2012
If someone is going to emerge from the All-Star Game with broken bones, it’s Bryant. In the 2012 game, while driving towards the basket, Bryant was whacked in the face by Dwyane Wade. The foul sent Bryant to the line, where he scored points 26 and 27, as his nose leaked blood onto his jersey. The scoring total pushed him past Jordan as the top scorer in All-Star Game history, but it also came at a cost. Afterwards, Bryant was diagnosed with a broken nose and a concussion. He didn’t miss any games in his return to the regular season.
Home Cooking
Year: 2011
In 2011, the All-Star Game was hosted in Los Angeles and there was no way Bryant was going to lose at home in the Staples Center. He took the game over, scoring 37 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Afterwards he was crowned game MVP, his fourth time receiving the honor (tying Bob Pettit for the most all time).
Never Bet Against Kobe
Year: 2007
The odds weren’t looking good for the West during the 2007 All-Star Game in Las Vegas. They were missing three premier guards due to injury, but they still had Bryant. He didn’t disappoint, turning in his best All-Star performance ever: 31 points, six assists, five rebounds, and six steals. The West set a record with 69 field goals, defeating the East squad 153-132, and Bryant was named MVP.
Greatness Meets Greatness
Year: 1998
In '98, Bryant became the youngest player to ever start in an All-Star game at 19 years of age. It was his second season, and he was still coming off the bench for the Lakers, but Bryant received enough fan votes that he was elected a starter in the game. He was joined by teammates Shaquille O’Neal, and Nick Van Exel, as well as Eddie Jones, who was then the Lakers starting shooting guard. Bryant used the stage to score 16 points and add six rebounds. His side lost to the East and Michael Jordan, but for the young Bryant, the message was clear: he wasn’t going to back down from anyone.
The Return
Year: 2002
In 2002, Bryant played in front of his hometown crowd with the game set in Philadelphia. Vince Carter garnered the most fan votes and Allen Iverson was in his prime as the Philly faithful watched on, but it was Bryant, in his fourth All-Star Game, who took home the MVP. It was the first of his career. He capped his return home with 31 points, five rebounds, and five assists, and the West won 135-120.
Can’t Hold Me Back
Year: 2008
The NBA has a rule that, if you play in the last team game before the break, you have to play in the All-Star Game. In 2008, with a torn finger ligament, Bryant was once again voted into the All-Star Game and, because he had been suiting up for the Lakers, the league thought it best that Bryant honor his nomination. He played just under three minutes, grabbing one rebound and reminding everyone that regardless of broken bones or torn ligaments, Bryant plays on.
The Reunion
Year: 2004
In '04, Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal had their infamous split in L.A. Five years later, they would be teammates again, each voted as starters for the 2009 All-Star Game. To take things even further, the head coach was Phil Jackson, the same coach who rode Bryant and O’Neal to three consecutive NBA championships. Bryant scored 27 points, with four rebounds, four assists and four steals, leading the West to a 146-119 victory. Afterwards, he shared co-MVP honors with O’Neal, who had 17 points on 8-for-9 shooting in just 11 minutes.
Lockdown D
Year: 2013
At the 2013 All-Star Game, hosted in Houston, Bryant was once again the top vote-getter in the league. That might have poured some fuel on the fire as he came out like it was Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Bryant picked up LeBron James at full-court, fought through screens, and generally put his chin into James’ chest, letting him know, that even at 34 years old, this was still his game. In the final minutes, with the score close, Bryant came up with two huge defensive plays, swatting away consecutive shots from James and ensuring the 143-138 victory for the West.
No Shot
Year: 2012
In the final seconds of the 2012 All-Star Game, with the East squad trailing by two, LeBron James had two opportunities to tie it up or go for the win. There was a problem, though—he was defended by Bryant. Instead of hoisting a jumper or attacking the basket, James opted for the pass. Twice. The first resulted in a missed three and the long rebound was swatted back out to James at the three-point line. With Bryant draped all over him, he threw a cross-court pass that was picked off, sealing the win for the West.
Coming for the Title
Year: 1998
In the '98 All-Star Game, the first time Kobe and MJ faced each other in the showcase, Bryant wasn’t going to back down. Bryant was all over the court, catching alley-oops, leaking out for long outlets that resulted in spectacular dunks, playing tough defense, and letting the G.O.A.T. know that he got next.