Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon react to NBA commissioner saying on Sirius XM's NBA channel that Kobe Bryant "deserves" to be an All-Star and that he "hopes" to see him there. (2:27)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Though NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently told Sirius XM NBA Radio that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant "deserves to be" at the 2016 All-Star Game, Bryant said he is fine if he doesn't make what would be the final All-Star Game appearance of his storied career.

"I mean it would be great to play in it. If I'm not in it, I'm not going to beat myself up over that either," Bryant said after practice at the team's facility Wednesday. "I'll support the game no matter what. Support the players no matter what."

If the 37-year-old Bryant were voted into the game, it would mark his 18th all-time selection, one shy of the NBA record held by fellow Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bryant, who is retiring after this season, has started in 14 All-Star Games.

"It would be great, but at the same time I've played in a lot of them, so it's always great to have the younger guys step up and get their opportunities as well," Bryant said. "I've played in quite a few. If I'm fortunate to be there, I'll be extremely grateful for that. If I'm not, at the same token, I'll be extremely grateful for the opportunities I've had."

This year, Bryant is being listed for the first time as a frontcourt player in All-Star voting, which opened last week. He is averaging 16.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 30.7 minutes per game this season, his 20th in the NBA.