Kobe Bryant was rewarded for another outstanding defensive season by being named to his ninth career All-NBA Defensive team, including seven times on the first team.
The accolade marks his fourth straight season on the First Team, which he also occupied in 2000, 2003 and 2004, in addition to Second Team appearances in 2001 and 2002.
Bryant finished 12th in the NBA in steals with 1.46 per game, but it was his ability and willingness to defend players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or fill-in-your-best-perimeter-scorer of L.A.'s opponents that earned him another First Team appearance.
LAKERS: Bryant Named to NBA All Defensive First Team