Pelicans’ Anthony Davis to replace Lakers’ Kobe Bryant in 2014 NBA All-Star Game

NEW YORK – New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Anthony Davis has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured West All-Star Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans. Davis, who will make his first All-Star Game appearance, is averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and an NBA-leading 3.3 blocks in 40 games for the Pelicans.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks, who earned the right to coach the West squad by virtue of the Thunder clinching the best record in the conference through games played Feb. 6, will determine who replaces Bryant in the starting lineup.

The 63rd NBA All-Star Game will be played at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014 (8 p.m. ET), televised exclusively on TNT and broadcast exclusively on ESPN Radio in the U.S. The All-Star Game will reach fans in more than 215 countries and territories in more than 47 languages.