Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is just going to enjoy his last All-Star game prior to his retirement, and use his time to teach the younger players who want to listen to some wisdom.
"I remember being in All-Star games and Gary Payton being extremely open with me ... Clyde Drexler, Hakeem (Olajuwon), Charles (Barkley), and Stock (John Stockton) ... I would ask them questions and they'd give me very clear, detailed responses," he said.
Bryant was voted as a starter for the Western Conference, joining Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma Thunder and MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
This is going to be his 18th All-Star game.
The 37-year-old is averaging 16.9 points on 35% shooting, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season, coming off a shoulder and knee injuries.
Does Bryant feel a tinge of regret knowing he would be playing his last game before his retirement?
"I'm not sad at all," he said. "I mean, 20 years, there's a lot to be thankful for. There's a lot to appreciate it. So no, I'm not sad; it's time to move on."
Former Indiana Pacers shooting guard Reggie Miller was all praises for the Los Angeles Lakers superstar
"I love him, I hate him, and I respect him, he said.
"I hate him because, in 2000 when we battled for a championship, he was just too good," the hall of famer added. "Obviously, along with Shaq (O'Neal), that Laker team denied me from the ultimate goal in winning a championship."
And as Miller pointed out, Bryant has taken a step back this season so that the younger core of the Los Angeles Lakers such as D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle can develop their respective games.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant announced his retirement in a piece that he wrote for Player's Tribune that he titled, "Dear Basketball."
