This Day In Lakers History: Kobe Bryant Named MVP Of 2007 NBA All-Star Game In Las Vegas
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Mark J. Terrill-AP Photo

On Aug. 5, 2005, then-NBA commissioner David Stern announced the All-Star Game would be held in a city that did not house one of the league’s teams. And so, for the first time in NBA history, Las Vegas served as the backdrop for All-Star Weekend.

While some now look back on the event with mixed emotions because of off-the-court issues, the NBA’s brightest stars did their part to deliver another entertaining game on Feb. 18, 2007. Per usual, a driving force for that was Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Behind 39 points in the first quarter and 40 points in the second, the Western Conference All-Stars held a 79-59 lead over the East at halftime. While the East attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, it proved futile.

The West set a record with 69 field goals and 52 assists in their 153-132 blowout victory. Bryant scored a game-high 31 points, to go along with five rebounds, six assists and six steals.

The performance earned him MVP honors, which he previously won at the 2002 All-Star Game. While Bryant was unceremoniously booed in his hometown of Philadelphia, fans in Las Vegas were much more delighted at him taking home the game’s top award.

En route to being named MVP, Bryant moved from 11th to 10th place on the all-time All-Star scoring list.

Kobe Bryant ranks second in All-Star Game scoring

By the end of his career, Kobe Bryant would wind up with the most points scoring in an All-Star Game at 290 although he was eventually passed by LeBron James to top the list.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: Shaquille Harrison’s Contract Contains Non-Guaranteed Year In 2023-24

The past couple of seasons have not been kind to the Los Angeles Lakers front office as it’s come under fire for a number…

Montrezl Harrell: Lakers Need To ‘Band Together’ To Compete & Win Games Without Stars

The Los Angeles Lakers have now lost three straight and remain winless when both LeBron James and Anthony Davis don’t play…

Markieff Morris Believed He Would Be Returning To Lakers Before Ultimately Signing With Heat

The Los Angeles Lakers underwent a massive roster turnover this offseason and one of the casualties of that was forward Markieff Morris…

Lakers News: LeBron James Explains Calling Out Bulls’ Sets

Despite being closer to the twilight than his prime, LeBron James is still dominating games for the Los Angeles…