The upcoming All-Star Game, the MVP trophy will now be known as the Kobe Bryant trophy for the best player of the game every year in honor of Kobe Bryant who tragically passed away two years ago.
NBA unveils the trophy as part of the NBA's newly designed 75th Anniversary All-Star trophies. Each of the four levels this trophy has was inspired by the legend's greatest achievements throughout his incredible career.
The eight-sided base on the trophy is representative of the eight decades of NBA All-Star games but it's also a wink at Kobe's legendary #8 he wore during the start of his career. The 18 stars that go around the trophy represents all 18 All-Star selections Kobe was a part of, which is currently tied in second place as the most in NBA history.
The base is 2 inches, which represents the two MVP All-Star trophies Kobe won during his participations. Also, the 24 stars on the first level represent all 24 players who are part of each All-Star game every year but it's also representative of Kobe's mythical #24 he used during the second part of his career.
Vanessa Bryant wife of the late basketballer posted images of the new trophy and what it represents, showing her approval and appreciation for the thoughtfulness of its creation. Here's what she wrote on Instagram: "I love everything this trophy represents, all of my husband's hard work and dedication ~ Mamba Mentality."
