When Kobe Bryant was introduced as a starter for the Western Conference All-Stars, most fans applauded the Philadelphia-area native. But a smattering of boos also could be heard at First Union Arena.

Soon the Lakers guard started evoking bad memories for Philly fans, who watched him dominate the 76ers in the 2001 NBA Finals.

By the time Bryant led his team to a 135-120 victory over the East, the catcalls from the city that once booed Santa Claus reached a fever pitch.

"I was pretty upset, pretty hurt," admitted Bryant, whose 31 points were the most in the All-Star Game since Michael Jordan scored 40 in 1988. "I just wanted to go out there and just play. Just play hard.

"I can just look at them being just diehard Sixers fans, I guess, being loyal to their team."

After the game, NBA Commissioner David Stern presented the Most Valuable Player award to Bryant at midcourt. Stern called Bryant "the star of stars of the greatest players in the world."

But those words were drowned out by more boos.

"I don't think that was right," said Sonics guard Gary Payton, who had 18 points, six assists and three steals. "I don't know what the reason is. ... I can't understand it."

Bryant ? who added five rebounds and five assists ? responded by raising the MVP award high with two hands while flashing his made-for-TV smile.

"It's just something that you deal with," said 76ers guard Allen Iverson, who scored five points, a stark contrast to last year's MVP performance. "I mean, I've been playing in Philadelphia for six years and they boo us in the first quarter."

During the 2001 NBA Finals, Bryant was booed lustily as the Lakers won 4-1. Bryant made public comments about being an L.A.-type of guy while basically guaranteeing that the Lakers would clinch the series in Philadelphia.

Bryant's father, Joe Bryant played for the 76ers in 1976, and Kobe attended several games.

"This is where it all began for me," Bryant said Friday, in anticipation of last night's game. "This is where I come from. I love it here."

But the City of Brotherly Love didn't show any to the player who attended Lower Merion High School in the suburbs. Even as a high-school star, Bryant was never fully embraced in Philadelphia.

When Bryant declared for the 1996 NBA draft, local media bashed him as the latest teenager to make a bad decision to skip college.

Bryant's teammates were intent on feeding him in his return home, and the 6-foot-7 guard responded by scoring 11 points in the second quarter to give the West a 72-55 halftime lead.

The game appeared headed for a blow-out because of Bryant's performance in the first three quarters. Then the East went on a spirited run in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 100-90 on a three-pointer by Ray Allen.

Payton responded by swishing a three-pointer. Allen came back with a three-pointer. Predrag Stojakovic's turn. Allen again.

Allen missed to snap a stretch of four straight treys. And with 7:49 left, Payton swished yet another three-pointer to give the West a comfortable 109-96 lead it wouldn't relinquish.

The only drama left was just how nasty the booing of Bryant would get.

"I don't know what to say," Bryant said. "I'm happy to win MVP in Philadelphia. The booing was just hurtful. But it's not going to ruin this day for me."