Every bit as meaningful as the points Kobe Bryant scored Sunday night was the point he made, Michael Wallace writes.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard broke Michael Jordan’s career All-Star Game scoring record on Sunday night.
Bryant needed 19 points to eclipse Jordan’s record of 262 career All-Star points. He broke the record on a fast-break dunk in the third quarter of the West’s 152-149 victory. Bryant, who ended the night with 27 points and also passed Oscar Robertson (246 career All-Star points) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (251 points) during the game, tied the record on two free throws in the third quarter, taking a break between them to wipe blood from his nose after a hard foul from Miami’s Dwyane Wade.
Bryant stayed in the game after the hit, but left to be evaluated afterward and did not speak to the media. The Lakers announced later on their website that a CT scan revealed Bryant suffered a nasal fracture. The team said Bryant is expected to be examined and re-evaluated by ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. John Rehm on Monday when he returns to Los Angeles.
Bryant is a four-time MVP of the All-Star Game, most recently winning the award in 2011 after scoring 37 points in his home arena. He’s tied with Bob Petit for most MVPs.
It was Bryant’s 14th All-Star appearance, tying him with Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett for the most All-Star selections among active players. Jordan played in 13 All-Star Games.
Information from AP / By Zach McCann / Special to ESPNLosAngeles.com
