The NBA All-Star Game is supposed to be the showcase for the league's best and brightest players.
However, Kobe Bryant in what is officially his last season poses a dilemma. He is definitely one of the brightest stars in all of sports, but he is nowhere near the best.
Thus, the most polarizing player in the game has placed the entire basketball world in a quandary. Should Kobe Bryant play in the All-Star game? The question of whether he deserves it based on his performance this season is a clear "no." But could the NBA forgive themselves if Kobe is not there for one last time?
The Black Mamba is gracious and diplomatic when he spoke to 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. "I'll support the game no matter what. Support the players no matter what."
If he is not voted by the fans to be a starter, the chosen coach of the Western Conference can name his a reserve, but that would put the coach on the spot as he would definitely be snubbing a more deserving player with his choice.
Bryant understood this: "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. 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."
Luckily, the fans may have stepped up to avoid this dilemma. According to NBC, Bryant is way above everyone in the Western Conference voting, guaranteeing his slot as a starter.
The West frontcourt is led by Kobe Bryant (LAL) 719,235 followed by Kevin Durant (OKC) 349,473 and Blake Griffin (LAC) 182,107. Kobe actually has twice as many votes as the no.2 player, LeBron James (Cle) 357,937.
Deserving or not, even if it's only a tribute for his 20-year career, Kobe Bean Bryant will start at the 2016 NBA All-Star Game.