LOS ANGELES // Kobe Bryant talks more about his past than his future these days. The guard, who has led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships, has said he can see the finish line of his career as younger stars emerge.
But he was happy to take the spotlight at the NBA All-Star game.
Bryant won his record-tying fourth All Star MVP award with 37 points and 14 rebounds in the West's 148-143 win over the East. His point total was just five points shy of the All Star scoring record.
Bryant clearly wanted the trophy, but until taking over the starring role on Sunday, he said he spent the weekend attempting to cede the spotlight. He imagines himself sliding into a background role behind LeBron James and his Miami Heat teammates, or the Boston Celtics' four All Stars, or Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin.
"I've been there, you know what I mean?" Bryant said. "It's not about that for me at this point in my career. It's very important for the game to continue to have young stars emerge ... It's important for me to step aside. It's about me coming out and performing and staying healthy, and doing the right things after 15 years."
That did not stop Bryant from going after an MVP trophy and a West win with unusually ferocious play for an exhibition game.
And even though James racked up a triple-double, Kevin Durant dropped 34 points in 30 minutes, and Amare Stoudemire slammed his way to 29 points, the All Stars seemed pleased Bryant came away with one more trophy.
"Everyone wanted him to get the MVP," said Miami's Dwyane Wade. "He came out very aggressive, as aggressive as I've seen anybody in an All Star game."
Both teams seemingly deferred to Bryant, finding him on fast breaks and clearing a path for his dunks - a rarity these days for Bryant's aching knees. Bryant even threw down a slam against James's defence in the third quarter, following it up with a three-pointer.
"He deserved it," Durant said. "Thirty-seven and 14? That's unbelievable numbers. I wanted him to get 40, but the old fella kind of tired out a little bit."
* Associated Press
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
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Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Meydan racecard:
6.30pm: Handicap | US$135,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres
7.05pm: Handicap | $135,000 (Turf) | 1,200m
7.40pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (T) | 2,000m
8.15pm: UAE Oaks | Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,900m
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile | Group 2 | $250,000 (T) | 1,600m
9.20pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
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