The starting lineups for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game were announced Thursday, and Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was voted to the Western Conference squad despite playing in just six games this season because of injuries.
The starting lineups for the Eastern and Western conferences are determined by a fan vote, and given Bryant’s worldwide popularity, it’s not a surprise he was selected.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant led the East and West in voting, respectively. Here are the starters for both teams.
East
Kyrie Irving, Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2nd Selection
Dwyane Wade, Guard, Miami Heat, 10th Selection
Paul George, Forward, Indiana Pacers, 2nd Selection
Carmelo Anthony, Forward, New York Knicks, 7th Selection
LeBron James, Forward, Miami Heat, 10th Selection
West
Stephen Curry, Guard, Golden State Warriors, 1st Selection
Kobe Bryant, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers, 16th Selection
Kevin Durant, Forward, Oklahama City Thunder, 5th Selection
Kevin Love, Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves, 3rd Selection
Blake Griffin, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers, 4th Selection
When the fans get to vote, there always are a lot of snubs. For example, Pacers center Roy Hibbert — who’s arguably the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year — did not make the East starting lineup. He’s having a better season than Anthony and is an elite center on the team with the league’s best record.
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul did not make the West starting lineup even though he leads the league in assists. But in Stephen Curry‘s defense, he ranks second in assists and plays on exciting Warriors team. Another snub from the West is Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden, who’s the only player in the top five in scoring not selected to start.
The 2014 NBA All-Star Game will be played Feb. 16 in New Orleans.
