Newly crowned champs to play host to ‘11 All-Star game

By Bud L. Ellis

Now that the confetti has stopped falling at Staples Center and the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for their victory parade, it’s time to look ahead to the next major NBA showcase for which the Lakers will play host.

The reigning NBA champions, freshly minted after Thursday’s Game 7 thriller over Boston, will play host to the 60th edition of the NBA All-Star game. The midseason matchup of the Association’s brightest stars is set for Sunday, Feb. 20 at Staples Center.

It marks the fifth time the NBA has brought its All-Star game to Los Angeles, and the second time Staples Center has held the showcase event. In 2004, Lakers’ stars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant combined for 44 points to lead the West past the East. O’Neal scored 24 with 11 rebounds, earning game MVP honors.

Staples Center also will play host to the Rookie Challenge game, as well as the NBA All-Star Saturday night (which includes the slam dunk contest).

Los Angeles previously played host to the All-Star game in 1963, 1972 and 1983.

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Friday, June 18, 2010 at 2:19 pm by bud

Tags: Boston Celtics, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA All-Star game news, NBA All-Star game schedule, NBA All-Star game tickets, Shaquille O’Neal, Staples Center