With Kobe Bryant set to retire by the end of the season, it seems only fitting to see him play his last NBA All-Star Game in February.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver hinted that he would love to see Kobe play at least one last time and somehow gave the understanding that he will exhaust means to do so.
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But from the looks of it, Silver’s hand may not be needed. Starters are voted in by fans and head coaches eventually pick the reserves. Gauging his popularity, plus the fact that this will be his last season, the chances of Bryant being voted in are pretty high.
“I hope to see him there. I think he deserves to be there. He’s going to retire as one of the NBA’s greatest players,” Silver said in an interview with Sirius XM’s NBA channel.
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But what if Kobe doesn’t get the nod? Would it be a disappointment for the 37-year-old Lakers star? Kobe said he wouldn’t hold ill feelings if he was left out of the game, which will be held in Toronto.
"I mean, it would be great to play in it. If I'm not in it, I'm not going to beat myself up over that either," Bryant said, per ESPN. "I'll support the game no matter what. Support the players no matter what."
If voted in, it would be Kobe’s 18th NBA All-Star appearance and a fitting send off as well before he finally hangs up his jersey for good.
While Silver could be making sure that Kobe will be around, recall that it was Kobe himself who requested no gifts and/or special treatment aafter his retirement announcement.
Could the case be the same for the All-Star selection? Like him or not, it seems only fitting to see Kobe playing with his fellow NBA All Stars -- at least for the last time.
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