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 LAS VEGAS (AP) - The first time Kobe Bryant won this award, he got booed in his hometown of Philadelphia. He picked up his second Most Valuable Player trophy from the NBA All-Star game much closer to his West Coast home — and the Los Angeles Lakers' guard got nothing but love in a city that adores its showmen.
Bryant had 31 points and six assists in the Western Conference's 153-132 victory Sunday night, leading a dominant offensive effort as a scorer and playmaker for a roster short on point guards.
Five years ago, Bryant also scored 31 points in the West's victory in Philadelphia — but the famously crusty fans booed him every time he touched the ball, eventually roaring their disapproval when the kid from the upper-class suburbs got his MVP trophy.
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