Comedian George Lopez recently joined Lakers legend Byron Scott on his podcast to reminisce about several of his top basketball memories. Lopez revealed a time when he attended the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles and gave Kobe Bryant a pep talk. The Mamba initially wasn’t planning to try hard in the exhibition match. His wife Vanessa wasn’t anticipating a big-time performance either, so what Kobe did next may have shocked her more than anyone else.
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Lopez shared that Vanessa had told him she didn’t expect Kobe to play much in the second half of the 2011 All-Star Game. The longtime entertainer was taken aback by Bryant’s disinterest in dominating the competition, considering where it was being held. Vanessa said Kobe didn’t want to put on a show in L.A., but his stance changed quickly after talking with Lopez demanded he put in the effort:
“I said, ‘Hey, yo.’ [Kobe] came over and I said, ‘Vanessa said you’re not gonna play that much in the second half’… I said, ‘Hey listen, motherf*****, don’t let anybody leave this arena with that MVP trophy unless it says f***ing Kobe Bryant on it.'”
That pep talk was seemingly all it took to convince Bryant to lock in. After receiving the most votes of any player for the All-Star Game, Kobe reminded everyone why that was the case. The 18-time All-Star exploded for 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 3 steals in the West’s competitive 148-143 route of the East. While teammate Kevin Durant also pitched in 34 points, it was an easy decision for All-Star MVP.
This interaction between two legends of their respective genres demonstrated Bryant’s competitiveness and willingness to always accept a challenge. That mentality carried him through his Hall of Fame career.
Kobe Bryant knew the All-Star Game was heading in the wrong direction
It’s been more than five years now since Bryant passed, but the five-time champion knew the state of the NBA All-Star Game would continue to struggle in the modern era of basketball. Kobe said,
“I think the All-Star Game in general needs a little revamping. It used to be competitive. Fans wanna see the best pickup game in the world.”
Bryant explained how fans aren’t going to enjoy the lackadaisical play and wide-open shots from the best basketball talent around.
Bryant’s tenacious MVP performance in 2011 is a far cry from what people are witnessing in the All-Star Game today. The lack of competitiveness has resulted in bloated scores and an overall underwhelming display. If the NBA hopes to return the All-Star Game to its former glory, the league should heed Kobe’s advice.
