The exhibition game had a bit of a finals feel with the presence of a record-tying four players from the rival Celtics. Paul Pierce -- who grew up in nearby Inglewood -- and Kevin Garnett received the heaviest boos during the starting lineups.
Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo were also here from the group that lost Game 7 on this floor last June and would love another chance to come take the title back. East coach Doc Rivers sent his four players out together midway through the first quarter to loud boos that usually provide the soundtrack of June in Los Angeles. They quickly turned to cheers when Allen threw up an airball on his first shot attempt. Bryant denied gaining extra motivation from seeing the two rivals, both of whom already won at Staples Center this season.
But he was clearly into the game from the start, driving for a couple of strong dunks or knocking down jumpers when defenders gave him room. Perhaps trying too hard to impress the stars surrounding them, there were errant passes and shaky shooting in the early minutes.
The West got it right in the final minute of the first quarter, with rookie star Blake Griffin of the Clippers catching an alley-oop pass from Deron Williams for one of his powerful dunks -- though not quite the degree of difficulty as his slam while leaping over the hood of a car Saturday to win the dunk contest.
The game was a welcome diversion from the Anthony talk and the troubling labor situation that threatens the league. Next year's game is scheduled for Orlando, but nobody can be sure it will be played. The owners and players' association met Friday to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the one that expires June Though it was described as a positive meeting, there was also no progress made, and the sides have a significant gap to close in order to prevent a work stoppage.
And it was a welcome break for Lakers fans, whose defending two-time champions stumbled into the weekend with three losses in a row. Following a pregame performance by rocker Lenny Kravitz, and a tandem talc toss by James and the rest of the East starters, Bryant scored 11 points in the first quarter.
The West led at halftime. Game notes Not all Celtics get booed in Los Angeles. Hall of Famer Bill Russell, who this week became the first person from the NBA to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, received a standing ovation when his honor was announced during the second quarter.
Dolph Schayes was honored for scoring the first points in the first All-Star game 60 years ago. With Atlanta shipping Cam Reddish to the Knicks, Eric Moody takes a look at how it impacts the former lottery pick's fantasy value. Top Moments. Box score. Bryant had 37 points — including 21 in the first half — and snared 14 rebounds as the West held off a late charge by the East to win The East, powered by LeBron James, tried to make a game of it several times and cut the West lead to with to play.
But Pau Gasol, who had 17 off the West bench, had a key tip-in of a Bryant miss with 53 seconds left that helped ice the win. James, appearing in his first All-Star Game as a member of the Heat, had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as he joined Michael Jordan as the only players with an All-Star Game triple-double.
In the West, two players made their final appearances on that squad — though neither knew it at the time. Carmelo Anthony, who had eight points, represented the Nuggets, but was traded off to the Knicks a few weeks after the All-Star Game.
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