Kobe 'shocked' to learn he's leading All-Star voting

Kobe Bryant can't believe it.

Playing in the final season of his remarkable career, Bryant leads the pack in All-Star voting after first returns came in on Friday - and it isn't even close. Kobe's both appreciative and surprised by the results, writes ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

"Listen," Bryant said after his final Christmas game, "I was making a little coffee run (Friday) morning, got some gas and decided to just go on Instagram and peruse and (I) saw the damn votes, and I was like, 'What the hell?' Shocked doesn't do it justice.

"It's exciting. What can I say? Just thankful."

The face of the Los Angeles Lakers will undoubtedly participate in the 18th All-Star Game of his 20-year career in Toronto in February, and will add to his all-time leading total of 280 points in the annual showcase.

Kobe isn't playing like an All-Star in his final season, however, averaging 17.2 points per game on a woeful 34.5 percent shooting. It's been a struggle, but NBA fans are clearly sending him a message, honoring Bryant with a lifetime achievement award of sorts.

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers is on board with the voting public, believing that Kobe indeed deserves to be there.

"A lot of people disagree with me on that," Rivers said. "That's fine. I have my opinion. I think Kobe should be on the All-Star team. I don't care if he's a starter or if they figure out a 13th spot for him. (With) what he's done in his career, he should be on the All-Star team, and I don't see any debate in that. You can have one, but I'm not hearing it."