Though his squad came away with a 157-155 victory in this season's All-Star Game, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James would not say that he won it for Kobe Bryant. Instead, The King noted the competitive drive that was shared between both teams.

The Lakers star noted that he felt Bryant's presence throughout the game, but there was no discussion about claiming victory for The Black Mamba:

“There was no discussion because we’re all competitors,” James said, via USA TODAY Sports” Mark Medina. “We wouldn’t be All-Stars if we weren’t competitors. We all compete at the highest level, try to put our respective teams in position to win every night. So guys definitely just had their sense of pride, that sense of competitiveness throughout the season and throughout the All-Star Game.”

This season's All-Star Game was different than those from the past. Each of the first three quarters were played as their own separate game, with the score resetting after each frame. Donations were made to charity for winning a quarter, adding a feeling of raised competition.

The fourth quarter is where the most changes were made. Scores were set to the totals that each team amassed through the first three frames and there was no game clock. As an homage to the passing of Bryant, 24 points were added to the highest total as a target mark for victory. Lakers star Anthony Davis hit that target mark with a free throw.

James finished this season's All-Star Game with 26 points and six assists. His teammate, Kawhi Leonard, scored 30 points on eight 3-pointers and earned the first Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP Award:

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All throughout All-Star Weekend, various tributes were made to Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles in late January. Sadly, all nine passengers on the flight died in the tragic accident, including Kobe's 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. According to several accounts, the group was on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy, where the Lakers legend was to serve as a coach for his daughter's basketball team.