Due to a nagging knee injury, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was replaced by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.
Since 1998, Bryant has been in 16 All-Star Games, missing only two. Once in 1999, because he was suspended and in 2010 because of an injury, has averaged 20 points for his career in 14 games.
The former Lower Merion (PA) standout is a four-time All-Star MVP, 2002, 2007, 2009 (Bryant shared the award with Shaquille O’Neal) and 2011.
Davis, 20, has had stellar performances during the regular NBA season for the Pelicans in averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and a league-leading 3.3 blocks, 1.5 steals and 1.4 assists per game.
Davis beat out Phoenix’s Goran Dragic, Sacramento’s Demarcus Cousins and Memphis’ Mike Conley. This will be Davis’ second year participating in All-Star weekend. The last Hornet/Pelican player that played in the All-Star game was Chris Paul, back in 2011.
Davis will also be participating in All-Star weekend festivities in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge as a member on Team Webber.