Kobe Bryant was one of the most competitive players in NBA history.

So it’s safe to say that the Los Angeles Lakers legend would have been shaking his head in disgust after the most uncompetitive All-Star Game in NBA history.

Defense was optional and rarely seen in a laugher of an All-Star Game for the NBA

The Eastern Conference beat the Western Conference 211-186 on Monday in an embarrassment for the NBA.

Just five years ago, Bryant was ahead of the curve in proclaiming that the All-Star Game had lost its way and needed to be changed.

“The All-Star Game, in general, needs revamping,” Bryant said in an interview with the Knuckleheads in 2019. “Because it used to be competitive.”

Bryant earned 18 All-Star selections and was named MVP of the game four times.

When he entered the league, he was fiercely challenged by Michael Jordan in an All-Star Game.

“That little Lakers boy is going to want to take everybody one-on-one,” Jordan said.

But times changed and the NBA’s player showcase became so uncompetitive that defense was ruled out in favor of constant slam dunks and Globetrotters-style play.

“Fans want to see the best pick-up game in the world,” Bryant said. “That’s what this is. They don’t want to see you running up and down and dunking, and doing all this crazy.”

Kobe Bryant took pride in winning All-Star Games and bringing his trademark intensityCredit: Getty

Old footage reveals Michael Jordan calling Kobe Bryant a ‘little Laker boy’ in their first NBA All-Star game together

“They want to see what happens when you get this collection of the best basketball players on the planet and they play and they go head up against each other,” Bryant said. “Guys play harder at a pick-up game in UCLA and it ain’t billions of people watching.”

Fans and media members united to call out the 2023-24 All-Star Game, which saw the East score 104 points at halftime and featured players lazily trotting down the court.

Bryant remembered a time when the NBA’s biggest non-Finals event used to be a must-watch for its hardwood intensity.

Just five years ago, when one of the greatest players in league history knew something had to change.

“I think the All-Star Game needs a little changing,” Bryant said. “I always loved competing in them — I didn’t lose many of them.”

“Me and CP (Chris Paul), when we played in an All-Star Game, I don’t think we ever lost an All-Star Game. We used to look at each other and say, ‘OK, let’s go.’ “