All-Star selections were announced on TNT on Thursday night, and making the list for the 18th consecutive year was Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. This was no surprise to most people, but was a well needed morale boost for Lakers fans after the past few events that were supposed to resemble games of basketball.
To be honest, I’m really looking forward to seeing Kobe at the game. It’s going to be the best day for Lakers basketball this year and seeing all of the best players in one arena to send him off is going to be emotional, both for Kobe and for the fans. While his play this season may not be most deserving of an All-Star nod, most players who play the game today grew up watching him, worshipping him, and striving to be him someday.
This Lakers season has been a balance between giving Kobe a farewell tour appropriately reflecting his time with the franchise, and ushering in a new generation of players for the future of the team. But this year on Valentine’s Day, I think we’re all going to forget about the young guys for a night and appreciate all of the moments that we had over the past 20 seasons, as we pay tribute to one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball.