“No, I’m under contract next year. No way. I’ll be back.”
Bryant has been a regular in the All-Star Game for virtually his entire career. His five All-Star Game MVP awards have him tied with Bob Petit for the most in league history, and he’s scored more points in the All-Star Game than any other player in league history.
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There’s no question that after 16 All-Star appearances Bryant hasn’t lost the desire to compete. He took pride in his defense on Sunday, limiting LeBron James to just a single fourth quarter point and coming up with a huge block in the process.
So, Laker fans can take solace that they have at least one more season of watching Bryant take the court with the league’s elite next season in New Orleans. And in the midst of a tumultuous season, that’s indeed something to feel excited about.