In February 2020, to commemorate the death of Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant that had come a month prior, the NBA renamed the award given to the most valuable player at its All-Star Game after Bryant.
Bryant was an 18-time All-Star and won the MVP award four times, tying him for most all-time with former St. Louis Hawks great Bob Pettit. Last year, the NBA tapped artist Victor Solomon to redesign the trophy so that it would better symbolize Bryant’s greatness.
“Kobe Bryant is synonymous with NBA All-Star and embodies the spirit of this global celebration of our game,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in February 2020. “He always relished the opportunity to compete with the best of the best and perform at the highest level for millions of fans around the world.”
In January, current Lakers star LeBron James tied an NBA record with his 19th All-Star nomination. If James is able to win the game’s NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award, he will tie Bryant and Pettit with four trophies.
Here’s everything you need to know about the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award:
Who are some of the notable retired players who have won the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award?
Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers (2011, 2009, 2007, 2002)
Dwyane Wade
Miami Heat (2010)
Shaquille O’Neal
Phoenix Suns (2009), Los Angeles Lakers (2004, 2000)
Allen Iverson
Philadelphia 76ers (2005, 2001)
Michael Jordan
Chicago Bulls (1998, 1996, 1988)
Scottie Pippen
Chicago Bulls (1994)
Karl Malone
Utah Jazz (1993, 1989)
Magic Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers (1992, 1990)
Charles Barkley
Philadelphia 76ers (1991)
Julius Irving
Philadelphia 76ers (1983, 1977)
Larry Bird
Boston Celtics (1982)
Isiah Thomas
Detroit Pistons (1986, 1984)
George Gervin
San Antonio Spurs (1980)
Jerry West
Los Angeles Lakers (1972)
Oscar Robertson
Cincinnati Royals (1969, 1964, 1961)
Bill Russell
Boston Celtics (1963)
Bob Pettit
St. Louis Hawks (1962, 1959, 1958, 1956)
Wilt Chamberlain
Philadelphia Warriors (1960)
Elgin Baylor
Minneapolis Lakers (1959)
Bob Cousy
Boston Celtics (1957, 1954)
George Mikan
Minneapolis Lakers (1953)
Which active NBA players have won the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award?
Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors (2022)
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks (2021)
Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers (2020)
Kevin Durant
Golden State Warriors (2019), Oklahoma City Thunder (2012)
LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers (2018, 2008, 2006)
Anthony Davis
New Orleans Pelicans (2017)
Russell Westbrook
Oklahoma City Thunder (2016, 2015)
Kyrie Irving
Cleveland Cavaliers (2014)
Chris Paul
Los Angeles Clippers (2013)
Source: USA Today
