In the midst of a breakout sophomore campaign, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was rewarded with his first of 18 All-Star Game selections.
On Feb. 8, 1998, the then-19-year-old became the youngest starter in NBA history to play in an All-Star Game, breaking Lakers legend Magic Johnson’s record.
The game was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where Bryant suited up for a stacked Western Conference team that trotted out a starting lineup consisting of fellow Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal, Seattle Sonics guard Gary Payton, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett and Utah Jazz center Karl Malone.