Kobe Bryant has officially been named as one of the starters for the upcoming NBA All Star Game that will be held in Toronto, the last one for the Los Angeles Lakers star.

Bryant, who announced that he will retire at the end of the season earlier on, couldn’t help but recall a similar situation when he was part of the All Star game back in 2003.

At that time, there was a player who would be playing his last All Star game – NBA great Michael Jordan. Now he finds himself in the same boat and will be taking a page out of Jordan’s script.

"One thing that Michael said was, ‘Just because it’s my last All-Star Game, I don’t want you to come out there going soft on me,' " Bryant said via Yahoo Sports. " 'I want you to play me how you would normally play me.' I was like, 'Mike, what do you know about me that would lead you to tell me that?’”

The difference between the two is that Jordan was then included on the reserve roster of the Eastern Conference All Stars while Kobe was voted in as a starter. For that, the “Black Mamba” is sincerely grateful.

“It’s a great honor. I didn’t expect it all. I’m very thankful for it, honestly,” says Bryant.

Kobe and the West All Stars won over their East All Star rivals, 155-145. Despite the loss, Jordan led the East with 20 points, which eventually allowed him to be the all-time scoring leader.

Will Kobe do the same?

At the way that Kobe is juggling his injuries and shooting, it will be interesting if he does. Then again, don’t underestimate the offensive arsenal of the Lakers great who knows how to put the ball into the cylinder – inside or outside.

All that aside, Kobe knows that the All Star game is something that most players are not likely to take seriously. Regardless, it would not be surprising if he wants to leave a lasting impression before he finally ventures off into retirement.

Kobe Bryant will be starting alongside Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook. They will go up against the East top vote-getters led by LeBron James, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Kyle Lowry and Dwyane Wade.

For his part, Wade feels that this year will be a special one because it will be Kobe’s last hurrah.

"It'll be a special All Star because this is Kobe's last run,'' says the veteran Miami Heat guard via ESPN.