As the highly anticipated 73rd NBA All-Star game approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see their favorite stars face off against each other. With the upcoming action-packed All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, let's take a look back at one of the greatest All-Star game matchups: Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan.

Kobe Bryant, the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft, entered the league just as Michael Jordan was embarking on his second threepeat and winning his fourth championship. Although Jordan had retired from the NBA, he was still in his prime when Bryant joined. However, it wasn't until 1998 that the two faced off in the All-Star game.

In the 1998 NBA All-Star Game, Jordan not only led the East in votes but also had the most votes in the entire NBA by a significant margin. Meanwhile, Bryant ranked second in votes for guards in the Western Conference. The East All-Stars emerged victorious with a final score of 135-114. Jordan was named the All-Star MVP with 23 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Bryant, in his first All-Star appearance, led the West in scoring with 18 points.

Their second meeting occurred in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. Jordan, playing for the Washington Wizards after his second retirement, and Bryant led the league in guard votes for their respective conferences.

The West won the game with a score of 135-120, with Bryant scoring 31 points compared to Jordan's 8. Bryant received the All-Star MVP award that year.

In their final All-Star matchup in 2003, Bryant received the most votes in the league and led the event. Jordan would have come off the bench if Vince Carter hadn't given up his starting position to him. The game went into double overtime, with the West ultimately winning 155-145. However, it could have ended differently if Jordan's fadeaway shot in the fourth quarter had secured victory for the East. Remarkably, the West tied the game and eventually won after two overtime periods.

These moments between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan remain legendary and continue to be discussed among NBA fans.