Lakers News: D’Antoni Says All-Star Participation Is Up To Kobe

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read

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Kobe Bryant continues to be one of the most popular players in the NBA. Despite playing in only six games this season, Bryant leads all Western Conference backcourt players in All-Star votes leading many to wonder whether or not he will participate in this season’s All-Star game.

At Bryant’s age, and with his injury issues this season, many would prefer that Bryant sit out the game to rest up. Coach Mike D’Antoni, however, says the decision will fall to Bryant himself, as reported by Mark Medina:

That’s up to Kobe, the trainer and doctors, I don’t have anything against anything. That’s up to them.

Bryant himself implored fans to vote for some of the younger players who have played more this season. Whether or not this means Bryant wouldn’t suit up, nobody quite knows, but this game is about the fans and Kobe has a lot.

With Bryant possibly returning later this month, it is conceivable that he could be healthy enough to play the game if he so chooses. There is always the possibility that Bryant could be surpassed in votes, but that is highly unlikely as he holds a nearly 200,000 vote advantage over Stephen Curry and Chris Paul.

At this point in his career, Bryant doesn’t need to appear in All-Star games, and even if he suits up, he is unlikely to play a lot of minutes. With his comments, it seems that he is open to letting the young guys have their moment and that is probably best for both Bryant and the Lakers.

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VIDEO: Kobe Bryant Suggests Fans Vote For Younger Players For All-Star Game

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.