Lakers Kobe Brant flattered by All Star votes, but touts young players

[Sportsguy9695]

Kobe Bryant said he's flattered that fans have him on track to start in the NBA All-Star Game Feb. 16 in New Orleans, but isn't sure he will be able to return in time from a fractured left tibial plateau to be able to "put my stamp" on the game.

Instead, Bryant thinks fans should vote for some of the younger players in the league, like Portland's Damian Lillard, who are having breakout seasons.

"I really enjoy watching what the younger guys are doing and how they're performing," said Bryant, who was second among Western Conference players in the latest round of All-Star voting, which was released on Dec. 26. "Even though there's so much respect from me to be able to go out there and play for the fans, I'd much rather see the young guys play in the game because they've obviously put the work in to be in it. I'd much rather go out there and see them participate."

Source: ESPN LA

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

I completely agree. Been a huge Kobe fan from day 1 but he's hardly played this year and clearly doesn't deserve to play in the ASG.

 

[Louie26]

Everyone thinks Kobe's a dick. Maybe he is to some degree. But he's ALWAYS has been an advocate for they younger guys!!

This isn't a surprise to me!

 

[LAKERSUSCBAM]

He sees it correctly

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

Well said Kobe Bean Bryant (The Black Mamba)

 

[JahiiCarson_SqodGeneral]

Well said Kobe Bean Bryant (The Black Mamba)

:rollseyes:

 

[The Derski]

Vote for Dragic and Bledsoe

 

[JahiiCarson_SqodGeneral]

Vote for Dragic and Bledsoe

I agree and im not even bias.

 

[trojanfan12]

Hmmm, nothing from the resident Kobe haters. They must be having trouble figuring out a way to spin this to show how it's really out of selfishness.

 

[Lakers+USC=#1]

Vote for Dragic and Bledsoe

They wear a Suns Jersey, so no!

 

[Lakers+USC=#1]

Hmmm, nothing from the resident Kobe haters. They must be having trouble figuring out a way to spin this to show how it's really out of selfishness.

Dont worry, Bot, mont, or doors will come up with something.

 

[Flauge]

he should play and start in the all-star game. if it is what the fans want.. then do it. it's an exhibition game. every year a couple guys get snubbed. sure, kobe getting in means someone gets the snub... but i dont care. fan's choice.

 

[Jims_Doors]

Hmmm, nothing from the resident Kobe haters. They must be having trouble figuring out a way to spin this to show how it's really out of selfishness.

Nahhhh....just sparing you from having another meltdown.

 

[Jims_Doors]

he should play and start in the all-star game. if it is what the fans want.. then do it. it's an exhibition game. every year a couple guys get snubbed. sure, kobe getting in means someone gets the snub... but i dont care. fan's choice.

If wants another player start and others to play, then that means he more than likely won't be back playing before the All-star break. Not sure if it is a written rule but in the past when those who received the most votes tried to back out, Stern said "if you're healthy enough to play for your own team, then you're healthy to play in the AS game.

Besides..... it's only an exhibition when Kobe gets his nose broken cause Wade was trying to hard. But the game is considered just the opposite to those same people when Kobe blocks LeBron's shot.

Plus this way, if Kobe misses the game, then he won't have to worry about getting fined again for not showing up to one of the AS weekend charity events he skipped a few seasons ago.

 

[Sportsguy9695]

im not a huge Kobe fan but i gotta give him credit here. well said

 

[trojanfan12]

he should play and start in the all-star game. if it is what the fans want.. then do it. it's an exhibition game. every year a couple guys get snubbed. sure, kobe getting in means someone gets the snub... but i dont care. fan's choice.

Yeah, maybe. It's also not as if there haven't been players voted in because of the player they used to be. I think Kobe is sending the right message though. Let the guys who have earned it for their play this season play in the game.

 

[lakersrule]

The All-Star game starters are voted on by the fans. I always laugh when people say someone doesn't deserve to be starting. If that's who the fans want to see, then they deserve to start. Much fairer to debate the back-up snubs.

 

[LogicMan]

These years are his silver years. He should be a apart of it and enjoy what time he has left.

 

[shitsho]

One of the classier things he has done.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

These years are his silver years. He should be a apart of it and enjoy what time he has left.

I think he prefer's to enjoy the All Star break more with his daughters at this point in his career.