Kobe Named All-NBA First Team … Again

The following statement was issued today by the Los Angeles Lakers regarding the death of former Laker Flynn Robinson:

“We are very sad to hear of the passing of Flynn Robinson,” said Lakers Executive Vice President of Business Operations Jeanie Buss. “Flynn played an important role on the 1971-72 Lakers team that brought Los Angeles its first NBA Championship and won what is still an NBA-record 33 consecutive games. Lakers fans might remember him as ‘Mr. Instant Point,’ a nickname given to him by the great Chick Hearn, a nickname that was well earned as Flynn led the reserves in scoring that season, averaging 10 points in 16 minutes off the bench. He was a proud part of our Lakers heritage, participating in numerous reunions and special events over the years and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.”

The abundant accomplishments in Kobe Bryant’s career continued to mount in 2012-13, with yet another All-Star berth (his 15th) topped by his 15th overall selection to an All-NBA team when he was named to the All-NBA First Team for the 11th time.

This 11th appearance matches Karl Malone’s all-time record for First Team accolades, and the 15th overall matches Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record. In other words, no player in NBA history has more appearances than Bryant, with only two players left to match his consistent greatness over his 17-year career.

Bryant amassed one of his better statistical all-around years in 2012-13, averaging 27.3 points (third in the NBA), 6.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds on 46.3 percent shooting. He started 78 games, missing two because of a severely sprained ankle and the final two of the regular season, plus the playoffs, after tearing his Achilles tendon against Golden State on April 12.

Kobe also moved past Wilt Chamberlain for 4th on the all-time scoring list and became the youngest player to score 30,000 points.

With his 11th First Team selection, Bryant surpassed Hall of Famers Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Bob Cousy, Michael Jordan, Bob Pettit, and Jerry West, who have 10 nods apiece. His 15th overall selection pushed him past Shaquille O’Neal and Malone (14 each).

Bryant’s first appearance on an All-NBA team was in his third season, 1999, when he earned a Third Team nod, as he did in 2005. He was on the Second Team in 2000 and 2001, and the First Team from 2002-13, minus 2005.

To be chosen as an All-NBA honoree, a player is selected by media members that vote for two guards, two forwards and one center for each of the three teams, with Bryant having been named one of the NBA’s top two guards in 64.7 percent of his seasons (11 of 17), and a top six guard in 88.2 percent (15 of 17) of his campaigns.

Bryant’s teammate Dwight Howard was named as the All-NBA Third team center, breaking a streak of five consecutive years on the All-NBA First team. He now has two Third Team selections to give him seven overall appearances.

ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM
G: Chris Paul
G: Kobe Bryant
F: LeBron James
F: Kevin Durant
C: Tim Duncan

ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM
G: Tony Parker
G: Russell Westbrook
F: Carmelo Anthony
F: Blake Griffin
C: Marc Gasol

ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM
G: James Harden
G: Dwyane Wade
F: Paul George
F: David Lee
C: Dwight Howard