The fearless 18-year-old Lakers guard was one of the stars of the Rookie Game, scoring a record 31 points. He stole the show in the Dunk Contest. Young and impressionable, I couldn’t shake those performances, writes Cavs reporter Chris Fedor.
I was a scraggly teenager, and the NBA All-Star Game was in town. My caring and supportive father cultivated a deep sports love.
This wasn’t just any All-Star Game either. It was a commemoration of the NBA’s 50th anniversary -- a presentation of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players. And, yet, in that environment -- legends, Hall-of-Famers and up-and-comers -- one player stood out: Kobe Bryant. The 1997 All-Star Game is where it all started. I followed him for the remainder of his career, even idolized him. He was my Dr. J, my Magic, my Bird, my MJ. He became my hoops superhero -- “Black Mamba.”