Kobe sits out All-Star Game

For the most part, Kobe Bryant was on a roll. He had recently risen the ranks to become the all-time scoring leader for the Lakers. Ever since the start of the season, Bryant had his team sitting on top of the Western Conference standings. But, with all of this success, there has been a bit of tragedy.

Every year since his 1998 breakout year, Kobe Bryant has been an All-Star. Even through his rough period of 2005 through 2007, he was still an All-Star. Bryant has won the MVP of the All-Star game countless times, including sharing co-MVP honors with Shaquille O'Neal last season. But, a nagging finger injury has kept Kobe out of the past few Laker games.

While Kobe Bryant enjoys playing in the All-Star game every year, he has decided to sit this year's out. He was the top vote-getter for the game, but his loyalty remains with his team. Because of his finger injury, Kobe Bryant has been missing key games. He will not skip out on regular season games to play in the All-Star game. Bryant has gone against the wishes of fans and decided to sit out of the All-Star game so that he can get ready for the second-half of the season. Also, Kobe does not want to risk further injury at the game.

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game will be played at Cowboys' Stadium in Dallas, that was met with a lot of press and anticipation, but without Kobe Bryant, things will not be the same.