Artist Victor Solomon's All-Star MVP Trophy Created In Memory Of Kobe Bryant And A Monumental Event In The NBA

Illustration of Kobe Bryant (left) (Twitter @kobebryant)

JAKARTA - The NBA on Thursday introduced the new Kobe Bryant Trophy, which is awarded to the All-Star Player of the Year (MVP) with various design details applied to the memory of the former Los Angeles Lakers star.

After the helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid his respects by naming the MVP All-Star trophy the Kobe Bryant Trophy.

Quoted from Antara, Friday, February 4, the new design of the trophy is divided into five parts, each of which was chosen to commemorate Bryant as well as monumental matters related to the NBA.

The first part is the basic foundation of the trophy in the shape of an octagonal symbolizing the age of the NBA which is entering its eighth decade and representing the number 8 jersey that Bryant had worn.

Around the basic foundation there are 18 stars that surround, representing the achievements of Bryant, who throughout his career was elected to the All-Star 18 times.

The trophy's foundation measuring two inches (5.08 cm) represents Bryant's success in winning his first All-Star MVP in 2002.

The first level above the foundation contains 24 stars representing the 24 players selected for each All-Star game and representing the number 24 jersey which is also identical to Bryant.

In this first level the Kobe Bryant Trophy reached a height of seven inches (17.78 cm) representing the second time Bryant won the 2007 All-Star MVP.

The new Kobe Bryant Trophy awarded to the Kia NBA All-Star MVP further celebrates its namesake, with intricate details holding dual meanings, both for NBA All-Star and Bryant's legendary career, which include the following: pic.twitter.com/kOXXywo8yX

— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2022

The second tier has 10 stars representing the 10 starting All-Star games as well as the jersey number worn by Bryant in the United States national team, with the size increasing to nine inches (22.86 cm) representing the 2009 All-Star MVP trophy that Bryant won.

The third tier features five stars, which are said to symbolize the unity of an NBA team and represent Bryant's five NBA championship rings, which now measure 11 inches (27.94 cm) representing the All-Star MVP trophy won in 2011.

The top tier is a single star, representing the one NBA MVP trophy Bryant won in 2007/08 with an additional two inches (5.08 cm) representing Bryant twice as NBA Finals MVP in 2009 and 2010.

The new Kobe Bryant trophy was presented by the NBA in collaboration with artist Victor Solomon, who is often trusted by NBA stars and has designed a special Boston Celtics jersey to commemorate the retirement of Paul Pierce.

In addition to the Kobe Bryant Trophy for All-Star MVP, the NBA also introduced another trophy up for grabs throughout the All-Star break week.

Among them are Slam Dunk Contest champion trophies, Tripoints Contest, Agility Contest, Rising Stars Match MVP, Clutch Challenge Contest and Celebrity All-Star Match MVP.

All-Star Week is scheduled to take place February 18-20 at the Cleveland Cavaliers' Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Ohio, with the All-Star game being played on February 20.