Kobe Bryant was selected to the All-NBA First Team for the fifth consecutive season and the eighth time in his career today. Among active participants, only Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs has been named more times to the first team with nine selections. Bryant is tied with Shaquille O’Neal of the Cleveland Cavaliers with eight selections. Also, Pau Gasol was selected to the third team. Bryant was selected Wednesday to the league’s All-Defensive First Team. Joining Bryant on the first team were LeBron James of the Cavs, Dwight Howard of the Orlandos, Kevin Durant of the OKCs and Dwyane Wade of the Miamis. Sportswriters and broadcasters picked the teams.

The second team: Carmelo Anthony of Denver, Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire of Los Suns and Deron Williams of Utah.

The third team: Gasol, Duncan, Andrew Bogut of Milwaukee, Joe Johnson of Atlanta and Brandon Roy of Portland.