Kobe Bryant Injury & Return News Update: NBA Star Dumps All Star Games; Tells Fans to Vote For Someone Else

Kobe Bryant has been consistently voted into every single All-Star game since he began his NBA career in 1997. He also has the honor of being a four-time MVP in the All-Stars, as well as being the top scorer in the history of the said annual games. He even surpassed Michael Jordan's scoring record in 2012.

Considering these facts, it should not be surprising to find the Black Mamba installed in the All-Star roster once more this year. Even the cager himself expects this. However, that doesn't mean he likes it. At least for 2014's game.

"Even though there's so much respect that comes from me to be able to play for the fans, I'd much rather see the young guys go out there and play in the game," Bryant said before his team played against Denver Sunday night, USA Today noted.  "They've obviously put the work in to be there that weekend, so I'd much rather see them go in there and participate."

According to an update from ESPN, the popular player is also not sure if he can return in time for the games due to his injury - a fractured left tibial plateau.

"I probably won't be able to come back soon enough to put my stamp or make my mark on the game, so my advice would be to focus on these younger players, the Damian Lillards of the world, because they're more than deserving to be playing on that weekend."

Although his rehabilitation is said to be "going well," it's still too premature to discuss even a target date for his return. The Mamba has said he's doing a lot of bike work and is doing what he can to maintain his strength and conditioning while undergoing rehabilitation from an injury he sustained on December 17 in a Memphis game. 

Will the 2014 NBA All-Star game be fluke without Kobe? Let us know below!