Kobe Bryant, the late Los Angeles Lakers legend would likely be shaking his head in disgust and would be saying “I told you so,” at witnessing the most uncompetitive All-Star Game in NBA history. Last night at Indianapolis, Indiana, the Eastern Conference triumphed over the Western Conference with a score of 211-186, marking a glaring embarrassment for the NBA.
After last night’s showing, there’s widespread questioning of the NBA All-Star game’s competitiveness. Meanwhile, Bryant was a voice ahead of his time, advocating for change in the All-Star Game’s direction five years ago.
In a 2019 interview with the Knuckleheads podcast, Kobe Bryant shared his thoughts on the NBA All-Star game.
I think the All-Star game in general needs a little revamping because it used to be competitive and like fans wanna see the best pick-up game in the world ‘cause that’s what this is.
He went on to add:
They don’t wanna see you running up and down and dunking and doing all this crazy. They wanna see what happens when you get this collection of best basketball players on the planet and they play and they go head-up against each other. I mean, guys play harder at a pick-up game in UCLA and it ain’t billions of people watching.
“It used to be competitive. Fans wanna see the best pickup game in the world… You guys play harder at a pickup game in UCLA & it ain’t billions of people watching. I think the All-Star Game needs a little changing.”
—Kobe Bryant
(via @PlayersTribune)pic.twitter.com/on7klDTvVw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2024
Bryant’s illustrious career included 18 All-Star selections and four MVP titles. However, over time, the NBA’s All-Star event has shifted toward stylish and flashy plays and a lack of defensive intensity. Fans and media were quick to condemn the 2023-24 All-Star Game, where the Eastern Conference had a 104-point halftime lead and players were casually strolling down the court underscoring the lack of competitiveness.
Sabrina Ionescu Honors Late Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gigi at NBA All-Stars event
Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry went head-to-head in a groundbreaking three-pointer contest during the NBA vs WNBA All-Star event. Both athletes have garnered acclaim for their prowess beyond the arc, with Curry leading the NBA in career three-pointers (3,642) and Ionescu setting the WNBA record for most three-pointers in a single season (128). The matchup showcased the best of both basketball worlds.
Gianna and Kobe Bryant (Image via Newsweek)During a three-pointer contest between Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry, the former wore a red bracelet, where she paid tribute to her former mentor, Kobe Bryant, and his daughter, Gigi. Bryant and Gigi had connected with Ionescu during an Oregon game in January 2019, bonding over their shared love for basketball. They developed a close relationship, with Kobe offering advice to Ionescu to improve her game, while Ionescu coached Gigi. Their friendship and mutual support strengthened over time.
Following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe and Gigi, Ionescu was deeply affected and took some time before posting about it. After several days, she penned a heartfelt tribute, expressing her shock and grief while honoring the memories she shared with both Kobe and Gigi. She considered herself fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in their presence.
