But Kobe wouldn't listen at all.
"No," he retorted loudly. "I don't care about all that. I'm playing in the All-Star Game, and that's final."
'Those media guys always said last year's championship was just me riding O'Neal's coattails.'
'Sure, looking at the stats, I was a far cry from O'Neal.'
But Kobe wasn't convinced. This season, he was already averaging 27 points per game, practically the same as O'Neal.
'The OK Duo isn't just the O. There's a K, too.'
'So I deserve some of the credit for last year's championship.'
'And you got the MVP grand slam last year, so this year it's my turn.'
There was no way Kobe would accept missing such an opportunity over a minor injury.
"Kobe, calm down." Pelinka, startled, hurried forward to placate him.
