Kevin Durant: Kobe Bryant ‘Definitely Deserved’ To Be All-Star Starter
Kobe Bryant Wanted Competitive Edge Over Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant In 2012
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers was named an All-Star starter for the Western Conference on Thursday with the veteran being the leading vote-getter ahead of fellow stars Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Bryant received 1,891,614 votes which is considerably more than Curry at 1,604,325.

With the Lakers yet to crack 10 wins and Bryant struggling in his final NBA season, there’s been some debate about whether the five-time NBA champion is deserving of being an All-Star starter.

Kevin Durant, fellow All-Star starter in the West, believes there’s no question that Kobe deserves to start via Erik Horne of The Oklahoman:

The NBA All-Star Game will be held in Toronto at Air Canada Centre on Feb. 14 with Bryant set to play in the annual event for the 18th time. Kobe currently holds the record for All-Star Game MVPs with four which is one more than NBA legend, Michael Jordan. Bryant also has the most points (280) and steals (37) in All-Star Game history.

Kobe will be joined by Durant, Curry, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard in the starting lineup for the Western Conference All-Stars. LeBron will lead the way for the Eastern Conference All-Stars playing alongside with Dwyane Wade, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and Kyle Lowry. James was the only player in the East to receive a million votes or more at 1.1 million.

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Avery Bradley Trying To Stay Aggressive Offensively

When Avery Bradley was cut by the Golden State Warriors in training camp, it came as no surprise that the Los Angeles Lakers…

Magic Johnson on Mike Brown: ‘I Just Want Mike to do a Better Job’

Ever since 11-time NBA champion Phil Jackson stepped down as the head…

Kobe-less Lakers Pull Out 93-91 Victory Over Hornets

The Los Angeles Lakers (36-22) were able to pull out a 93-91…

Lakers News: Vanessa Bryant Expressed Desire For Family To Be Involved With Kobe Bryant Hall Of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is set to be enshrined at the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame alongside…