In a clumsy United Center in Chicago, the evening began with eight silent minutes to honor Kobe Bryant, who carried both numbers 8 and 24 during his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

-We will probably never see a basketball player like Kobe again. This is a tough time for the entire NBA family, said another Lakers legend - Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

Before the draft came additional tributes, including in the form of a song performed by Jennifer Hudson, wearing a Lakers purple dress, while pictures of the basketball giant both on the pitch and together with her daughter Gianna were displayed on a big screen. 13-year-old Gianna "Gigi" Bryant and seven other people died at the same time as Kobe when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed on January 26.

Acclaimed at the match sites

This year's All Star Match Stand was also a tribute to the dead. The players in Giannis Antetokounmpo's team all had Kobe Bryant's number 24 on their backs, while the opponents of LeBron James's team carried Gianna Bryant's number 2.

On the right breast sat a black circle with nine stars symbolizing all those killed in the helicopter crash and on the left shoulder a black band of sorrows for David Stern, who headed the American Basketball League NBA for 30 years and who passed away on January 1.

The match, both a highlight and a conclusion to the NBA's All Star weekend, was played on classic basketball ground - Chicago Bull's home ground - and a lot had already been about the tributes by Bryant this weekend.

Prior to the match, it was announced that the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award during the All Star meeting will continue to bear Kobe Bryant's name. And the first to receive the award was Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers.

- We thought about how we best honor Kobe (Bryant). One of the things that stands out about him, besides his five championship titles, is that he has been in 18 All Star teams and holds the record for four MVP titles, Adam Silver said at a press conference night to Sunday Swedish time, ESPN writes.

Special Rules

Bryant's rules had also been adjusted before the meeting. Among other things, a point sum was required on the leading team's score after period three plus 24 to win the match.

Prior to the decisive period, Giannis Antetokounmpo's team led 133 against LeBron James 121. James's team caught up quickly in the fourth and after both teams had passed 150 points, the match was incredibly smooth.

With a score of 156–155 for LeBron's team, Kyle Lowry fouled for Gianni's team for everyday in Toronto. Lakers center Anthony Davis was able to set a penalty, giving LeBron's team the 157 points required for a win.

- We didn't know what to expect because it was a whole new format. But throughout the fourth period, we said "it was fucking fun," LeBron James said during the press conference after the game.