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From around the world, fans on NBA.com e-mailed their questions for Kobe Bryant and the rest of the 1998 NBA All-Stars over the past few days. We selected some key queries for Kobe to answer when he arrived in New York. Here are his responses:

Q: As a young player in the NBA, you need to be at the top of your game at all times. How do you stay motivated and how would you motivate young players? -Matt Clarion, PA

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will become the youngest starter in NBA All-Star Game history.

A: You need to understand that tomorrow, it could all end. It could all end tomorrow. I could easily go out tomorrow, God forbid, and blow out a knee or something like that and it would all be over. I just take it as it comes and enjoy every day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: At your very young age, how does it feel to be a part and get listed among the all-star players in the NBA? -Bernard Molina Jr. South Cotabato, Philippines

A: This is what you always dream about, coming to the All-Star Game. It's something that I fantasized about and here I am now. It's the ultimate. The fans recognize the hard work I'm putting out on the court and they see me as a talented individual that has a lot of potential. The attention is great but I just take it in stride. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Kobe, how you feel about playing against Michael Jordan in the All-Star Game? You think he can guard you one-on-one? -Jason Lee Los Angeles, CA

A: It's a great honor to be able to compete against Michael Jordan in what might be his last All-Star Game. But when I step on the court, I try to put the name behind me, and just treat it like another #23 jersey. I'm not bashful about getting up on Michael and playing against him because that's how you learn. I try to feed off of him and learn a lot of different things. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: What are your personal feelings on being the first off the bench when you could easily start for any other team in the league? -John Vasquez Spokane, WA

A: With the team that we have right now, we have all the potential in the world, and all of the pieces of the puzzle are there. I'm very comfortable in my role coming off the bench and sparking the team, putting some points on the board and rebounding or whatever it may be. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Do you think we will see the Lakers in the Finals? -Gib La Palma, CA

A: I think we have a very good chance, but we have to keep everybody healthy. That's the key. If everybody stays healthy, and we can grow together as a team and learn every game, then we have a great chance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Who was the most influential person in your progress as an NBA elite player? -Perry McAtee Clarksburg, WV

A: : My father always played with a great love for the game, and that's one of the things he always taught me, especially after I made the jump to the NBA. He told me not the pressure or the expectations take away from my love for the game and I think that's the best advice anyone's ever given me. He taught me that you have to be well-rounded basketball player.