NBA names all-star award in honour of Kobe Bryant

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that the All-Star Game MVP award will now be called the Kobe Bryant Award as players lined up to pay tribute to the late NBA icon.

"Kobe Bryant is synonymous with NBA all-star and embodies the spirit of this global celebration of our game," Silver said.

"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."
"But wearing 24 and LeBron wearing number two, it's a big honour. I wouldn't want it any other way representing Kobe and Gigi in tomorrow night's game."
Antetokounmpo described the four-time All-Star Game MVP Bryant as the "Michael Jordan of our generation."
"Growing up, he was my idol. He was one of those guys that gave back to the game so much, gave back to the players. A lot of people when they're so great, they don't do that."
"They meant so much to our game. They grew the game so much. We all just have a lot of respect for them."
- Memorial service -