This year, the NBA is shaking things up with a fresh All-Star format. But while the league experiments with new rules, one thing remains the same—the fight for the NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant MVP Award. Out of 24 star players showcasing their skills, only one will take home the trophy named after the Lakers’ legend. But why was this prestigious award renamed after Kobe Bryant? Let’s dive into the story behind it.
As a tribute to his incredible impact on the game, the NBA All-Star Game MVP award was renamed in his honor after his tragic passing in 2020. This move wasn’t just symbolic—it was a way to recognize Bryant’s influence on the sport, especially on the All-Star stage. In 2022, the league took things a step further, redesigning the trophy to reflect Bryant’s legendary 20-year career.
But when was it decided? Back on February 15, 2020. Who made it official? The NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver. He announced that starting with the 2020 NBA All-Star Game—just three weeks after Bryant’s untimely death—the MVP trophy would forever bear Kobe’s name. “Kobe Bryant is synonymous with NBA All-Star and embodies the spirit of this global celebration of our game,” Silver said in an official statement. “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.”
Jan 6, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) defended by Golden State Warriors forward Dorrell Wright (1) at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Bryant’s dominance at the All-Star Game is undeniable. Over his 20-year career, he earned 18 All-Star selections, starting with his first in 1998, when he was just 19 years old. That made him the youngest player ever to appear in an All-Star Game—a record that still stands today.
When it came to shining on the biggest stage, Bryant did it better than anyone. He won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award four times—in 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011—tying him with Bob Pettit for the most in history. With that kind of dominance, it’s no surprise the trophy now carries his name. And in a nod to his greatness, the award also got a new design.
NBA’s released new design for the trophy
In honor of the league’s 75th Anniversary Season, the NBA has unveiled a reimagined lineup of All-Star trophies, including a redesigned Kobe Bryant Trophy. Created in collaboration with artist Victor Solomon, these new awards debuted at NBA All-Star 2022 in Cleveland.
“As the NBA celebrates its 75th Anniversary Season, this collection of All-Star trophies represents the continued growth and evolution of our game,” said Christopher Arena, Head of On-Court and Brand Partnerships at the NBA. “Through our collaboration with Victor Solomon, these trophies incorporate deep storytelling, reimagining our previous All-Star trophies in a modern aesthetic, and now serve as the new standards of excellence that future generations of All-Stars will strive to reach each year.”
Solomon is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of basketball art. His “Literally Balling” project explores basketball’s cultural icons through innovative designs like stained glass backboards, crystal basketballs, and ceramic balls reconstructed with the Japanese Kintsugi technique.
“For the past few years, the NBA and I have proudly and tirelessly worked to reconsider what a trophy is, has been, and could be,” Solomon shared. “The occasion also gave us the privilege and responsibility to develop an entirely new silhouette worthy of being named ‘The Kobe Bryant Trophy’ for the Kia NBA All-Star MVP. In the spirit of its namesake, we threw out all conventions and challenged ourselves to reorient how we thought about ‘the game.”
Nov 2, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and center Pau Gasol (16) embrace during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 124-105. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
The new Kobe Bryant Trophy also filled with intricate details, each carrying a deeper meaning. The base has eight sides, representing the eight decades of All-Star Games and Bryant’s No. 8 jersey. The first level features 24 stars, symbolizing every All-Star in the game and Bryant’s No. 24 jersey. And the second level has 10 stars, a nod to the 10 All-Star starters and Bryant’s USA Basketball No. 10 jersey. Every inch of this trophy reflects the legacy of one of the greatest players ever to step on an NBA court.
Who has taken home the Kobe Bryant Trophy so far?
Since the NBA renamed its All-Star Game MVP award to honor Kobe Bryant, two players have claimed the prestigious trophy. In 2023, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum lit up the court, earning the honor with a record-breaking 55-point performance. A year later, in 2024, Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard followed suit, proving his clutch ability on the biggest stage.
But before the trophy carried Kobe’s name, plenty of legends made their mark. Interestingly, Bryant himself, along with Bob Pettit, holds the record for the most All-Star MVP wins with four. Right behind them, a stacked group of icons—including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Oscar Robertson—have each won it three times, showcasing their dominance across different eras.
The list of three-time winners doesn’t stop there. Bob Cousy, Julius Erving, Isiah Thomas, Karl Malone, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant have all etched their names in All-Star history. With NBA All-Star weekend right around the corner, the big question is—who’s next to lift the Kobe Bryant Trophy?
The post NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant MVP Award: Story Behind the Lakers Legend Tribute appeared first on EssentiallySports.
