Throughout his career, Kobe Bryant has done just about everything possible, it seems, to mimic Michael Jordan. In many aspects, he’s been spot on. In his final year in the league, Bryant is on a bit of a farewell tour, not unlike Jordan’s final run with the Washington Wizards.
However, fans may hope the celebration of Bryant’s career isn’t *exactly* like Jordan’s.
In the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, the league took a special moment during halftime to honor Jordan in his final year. Wearing a No. 23 Wizards dress, Mariah Carey belted out her song “Hero” while a Jordan montage played behind her.
This year, the NBA will bring in the 64-year-old Sting for the halftime show. There may well be a tribute to Bryant during the break, but it would be a bit surprising if it involve a skin-tight dress.
While Sting could probably pull off the look, it may steal some of the attention away from Bryant.
Despite struggling to return from a nagging shoulder injury that has held Bryant out of the Lakers’ last nine games, Bryant got the most All-Star votes in the NBA. He is, for now, listed in the Western Conference’s starting lineup.
This will be Bryant’s 18th All-Star Game. The Lakers legend is already the top scorer in the game’s history and is a four-time All-Star MVP.
But even with all of that, he won’t have the honor of Carey singing to him in his jersey. Which, by the way, could have started the original crying Jordan meme.
