Kobe Bryant remains atop All-Star voting in NBA’s second set of returns

Kobe Bryant continues to lead all players in All-Star balloting, reaching 1,262,118 votes in the second returns announced by the NBA.

Playing through his final season, Bryant is ahead of reigning league most valuable player Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors guard is second to Bryant with 925,789 votes.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is third overall, best in the Eastern Conference at 636,388.

Fans elect five starters on each All-Star team. The 30 NBA coaches select seven reserves.

Based on the returns released Thursday, Bryant and Curry would be joined by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (616,096) and Russell Westbrook (479,512), along with Warriors forward Draymond Green (332,223).

In addition to James, the East’s starters project to be Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade (562,558), Indiana Pacers’ Paul George (457,554), Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving (271,094) and Detroit Pistons’ Andre Drummond (261,536).

Clippers guard Chris Paul (268,672) is third at the guard position behind Curry and Westbrook. Forward Blake Griffin (298,212) is fifth in the frontcourt; DeAndre Jordan (91,186) is 14th.

No other Lakers or Clippers were ranked.

Bryant is expected to make his 18th and final All-Star appearance Feb. 14 in Toronto.

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