When Kobe Bryant was announced Thursday as a starter in the All-Star game, he said it was "always a tremendous honor" but had no desire to play in New Orleans that weekend.
"No, I don't think so," he said flatly. "With all due respect to the fans who voted me in, and I certainly appreciate that ... but you've got to do the right thing as well. My feeling is you've got to reward these young guys for the work that they've been putting in," Bryant said.
The NBA almost surely would battle Bryant if he tried to skip the game, which would mark his 16th All-Star appearance. Bryant said he expected a two-game suspension from the NBA if he skipped it so he might suit up, reluctantly.