Kobe Bryant’s potential presence in the 2016 All-Star game is going to continue to be a huge talking point until the teams are officially announced. There are major arguments for either side, with some believing that he should not play in the game due to his sub-par play and others maintaining that he should play as this is his final season in the NBA. Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver has an opinion, stating that Kobe deserves to play in the showcase.
Now, Bryant has finally spoken about the situation from his own perspective, via ESPN’s Baxter Holmes:
“I mean it would be great to play in it. If I’m not in it, I’m not going to beat myself up over that either,” Bryant said after practice at the team’s facility Wednesday. “I’ll support the game no matter what. Support the players no matter what.”
“It would be great, but at the same time I’ve played in a lot of them, so it’s always great to have the younger guys step up and get their opportunities as well,” Bryant said. “I’ve played in quite a few. If I’m fortunate to be there, I’ll be extremely grateful for that. If I’m not, at the same token, I’ll be extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”
Bryant has been voted into 17 All-Star games in his previous 19 seasons in the league. Of course, he would not be missing anything if he were unable to play in this one. However, it would be great for him and for his fans if he could have one more stop in his farewell tour at the all-star game. Based on his play, it is difficult to argue that he is undeserving of a starting spot, but as one of the greatest players in league history, this would be a fantastic send-off into retirement.
