Watch: A look back at Kobe Bryant’s best All-Star performances
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant has been selected to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the 18th time in his career.
Bryant, who led the league in All-Star votes with 1,891,614, has started in 14 All-Star Games, the most for any NBA player. He has played a total of 388 minutes in All-Star Games, tied for second with Wilt Chamberlain. Bryant also leads the league with 115 made field goals in those games, two ahead of LeBron James.
As Bryant heads into retirement at the end of the 2015 season, here’s a look back at some of his best performances as an All-Star.
• GOLLIVER: Full voting results for 2016 NBA All-Star Game starters
1997
As an 18-year old rookie, Bryant was as confident as ever in the 1997 Dunk Contest. His moves earned him the title of dunk contest champion that year.
1998
A year later Bryant became the youngest player to ever participate in the All-Star Game. He broke out some of those dunking skills in his All-Star debut.
2002
Despite the fact that he was booed by fans in his home of Philadelphia, Bryant scored 31 points to earn his first All-Star Game MVP.
2003
Bryant’s 22 points this year weren’t enough to earn him the MVP title, but he did wow the crowd by stealing the ball from Jason Kidd and taking it to the hoop for this dunk.
2007
In 2007, Bryant had another 31-point performance, outscoring LeBron James by three points to earn the MVP title.
2008
Bryant didn't even have to step onto the court for this best moment. He made gif-history with this reaction during the 2008 dunk contest.
2009
Bryant scored 27 points this year, earning co-MVP honors. He shared the title with Shaquille O’Neal, who scored 17 points.
2011
Bryant scored a career-best 37 points in the 2011 All-Star Game and was named MVP.
