Kobe Bryant will make his 18th and final All-Star Game appearance in February.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, who announced his retirement earlier this season, was the game’s leading vote-getter, tallying 1,891,614 votes and edging out Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (1,604,325) — the reigning league MVP.
Bryant was listed as a forward on the ballot for the first time in his career, and will be joined by San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant.
Curry will be joined in the backcourt by Durant’s Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook.
In the Eastern Conference, Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry rode a late push to a starting spot in front of his home fans, knocking Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving out of the starting five and maybe the game itself.
Lowry is joined in the backcourt by the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade. Cavaliers forward LeBron James, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Indiana Pacers forward Paul George round out the starting five.
The other 14 All-Stars will be announced on Jan. 28.
Thumbnail photo via Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
