LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was an All-Star 18 times in his NBA career. And for many, the intensity he brought to the All-Star game, represented what once made it great.

Bryant’s will to win translated into an exhibition game, bringing fans around the world a joy that has been lacking from All-Star games in recent seasons.

He was a four-time All-Star game winner MVP, and the award has even since been named the Kobe Bryant MVP Award, following his tragic death in 2020.

Vince Carter #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers laugh during a game at FedExForum on February 24, 2016 in M...
Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Kobe Bryant praised Vince Carter’s challenge

Another great who wrote his name into All-Star folklore was Vince Carter, responsible for one of the best remembered dunk contests ever in 2000.

Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant went head to head in 2001 in an epic All-Star game won a single point by Carter’s East, thanks to a heroic performance from Allen Iverson.

Even back then there was debate whether the players were not performing hard enough – a forecast to what would come two decades later.

At the post-game press conference, Kobe Bryant was asked the question: “All-Star Games have been characterized as a lot of dunks, not a lot of defense. How would you characterize the defense that was played, specifically on you?”

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar responded by picking out Vince Carter’s defense for prompting him to raise his game, at a time he was trying to rest.

Kobe said: “When I caught the ball I told Vince, I said you’re going to make me start playing more real.

“I called the ball and he was pressuring me. I was in cruise control a little bit because my shoulder was aching me. I said, “Damn, you’re going to make me start going to the basket, man, cool up. I’m trying to rest.”

Kobe ended up with the top score for the West, although in this particular game, it was Iverson who walked away with the MVP.

Vince Carter had connection with Kobe Bryant

Vince Carter had a special connection with Kobe Bryant as a respected opponent through his career, through to his death.

The pair became friends off the court, powered by their immense respect for each other in competition, and nothing quite summed it up like Bryant’s All-Star story.

Carter turned 43 on the day Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020, and after the tragedy, the former Raptors and Nets star said: “I wasn’t ready for it. Last time I cried was family passing. But he was family.”