LOS ANGELES — The first returns of voting for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game are in and Kobe Bryant holds a large lead.
And large might be an understatement.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend, who will retire at the end of the season, has garnered over 200,000 more votes than the second leading vote-getter — reigning MVP Stephen Curry.
Some may object to Bryant’s appearance in the All-Star game during a year where he’s shooting just 34.4 percent from the field and has a player efficiency rating below 15. But Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers begs to differ.
“With what he’s done with his career, he should be on the All-Star team,” Rivers said prior to his team’s Christmas Day showdown against the Lakers. “And I don’t see any debate in that. You can have one but I’m not hearing it.”
Rivers was adamant that his old rival deserves a spot on the team as a lifetime achievement recognition, even if it meant one of his own players would miss out on the annual exhibition.
“Magic (Johnson) was on, Michael (Jordan) was on with the Wizards. I think certain guys earn that right and unfortunately for other guys who can’t make it, they have to earn that right, too.”
Thumbnail photo via Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports Images
