Despite being voted as an All-star starter again this year, injured Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant said that he will not play in this season’s All-Star game.
Photo credit: beyondthebuzzer.com
After being announced as an All-star starter for 16th time (second most in history next to Abdul-Jabbar’s 19), Bryant elected not participate on February festivities to give way to other rising NBA stars, who he thinks deserve to be a starter this time.
“With all due respect to the fans that voted me in, I certainly appreciate that, they know how much I appreciate that, but you got to do the right thing as well,” Bryant said before the Lakers’ game against Miami (LA lost) on Thursday (Statement from ESPNLosAngeles.com)
Bryant, who only saw action for six games, has been sidelined again since December 17, following a knee injury.
“My fans know you got to reward these young guys for the work that they’ve been putting in.” He added.
The Black Mamba’s decision to skip this season’s All-Star main event will leave a slot in the West’s starting five to play with Stephen Curry in the backcourt.
In the final ballot for the 2014 All- Star, Chris Paul (804.309), Houston’s Jeremy Lin (628.818) and James Harden (470.381) and Russell Westbrook (317.338) also got huge votes from the fans.
All-Star tradition dictates that NBA should be the one to decide who will the substitute for Bryant in the roster while the Western All-Star team coach will choose the replacement in the starting lineup.
In the chase for the West’s guard spot are Damian Lillard, Tony Parker, Andre Iguodala, Klay Thompson and Kemba Walker, who are playing impressively this season.
