The first was Kobe Bryant's 21 point first half which led me to believe that Bryant was intent on capturing his record-tying 4th All-Star MVP award.
The second was the grim expression on LeBron James' face which also led me to believe that James was just as intent on preventing Bryant from succeeding.
With the exception of the usual lack of defense this all-star game was actually pretty entertaining, and James made it known during two timeouts that he was treating it a little more seriously than just a meaningless contest.
At one point James could be seen lamenting the fact that it felt like a road game for his Eastern squad, which in truth it was.
Another timeout found James imploring his teammates to play harder, and pointing out that the younger, more athletic East team actually looked like the older team on the court.
It all added up to a Sunday night filled with drama, and when the final horn sounded Bryant's west team were 148-143 victors and Bryant made history by capturing his fourth All-Star MVP award.
Bryant finished with 37 points, which was five off of Wilt Chamberlain's record of 42, but James captured a little bit of history himself by finishing with only the second triple-double in the game's history.
James finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, and if MVP awards were given by the half it would be hard to deny James his glory.
Bryant also added 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals, but was his performance more MVP-worthy than James', or did Bryant get the benefit of the doubt because it was his home arena, and his team won?
Both players performed with an intensity that is usually reserved for the NBA posts...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
