Kobe Bryant Blocks LeBron James' Shot to Cap Western Conference's Victory During All-Star Game (Video)

Kobe Bryant Blocks LeBron James’ Shot to Cap Western Conference’s Victory During All-Star Game (Video)

by NESN Staff on Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 12:12AM

Everyone knows that nobody plays defense in the NBA All-Star Game, but Kobe Bryant made one exception Sunday night.

Bryant came from behind to block a shot by LeBron James late in the fourth quarter of this year’s edition of the annual offensive showcase, leading to an easy dunk at the other end by Bryant’s Western Conference teammate, Kevin Durant.

Bryant and James had — as usual — dominated the national basketball conversation in the days leading up to All-Star weekend, especially after Michael Jordan‘s proclamation on Friday that he would take Bryant and his five championship rings over the one-time champion King James.

Who knows if Jordan’s comments were on Bryant’s mind Sunday night or if he just wanted to infuse some competition into the monotonous dunk-fest. Check out the fleeting defensive display in the video below.