NBA Announces 2011 All-Stars

By Sharmaine Jones

Your votes are in! The NBA announced the starting lineups Thursday, Jan. 27, for the 2011 NBA All-Star game.

The most entertaining game of the NBA season will be held Feb. 20 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, so its befitting that Lakers guard Kobe Bryant earned the most votes, with more than 2.3 million. Bryant is no stranger to the All-Star game — he's won the All-Star MVP twice and this will make his thirteenth consecutive appearance.

New Orleans guard Chris Paul will join the vet in the Western Conference back-court; the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony and last year's scoring champion Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is appearing in his first All-Star game, will man the forward positions; and the Houston Rockets' Yao Ming made the cut at center, but will miss the game because of an injury. NBA commissioner David Stern will announce Ming's replacement, but we're rooting for Minnesota Timberwolves' forward/center Kevin Love. He's well deserving after an impressive first half averaging 21.6 points and 15.7 rebounds.

Miami Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and LeBron James will represent the Eastern Conference at the guard and forward positions respectively, Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose will fill the other guard slot and Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard will play in the center position. New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire beat out Boston Celtics ' Kevin Garnett to claim the remaining forward position. Stoudemire was sure to tweet credit where credit is due:

“Thanks to all my Amazing fans, you guys have made this a special year in NY. All-Star isn't possible w/o my teammates. Thanks 2 my TEAMMATES”

Although we're excited to see the West avenge their 139-141 loss to the East last year, we're even more excited for this years Sprite Slam Dunk contest. Powerhouse dunker and rookie phenom Blake Griffin is set to contend, with the league's most popular player, Kobe Bryant, taking notice. Kobe tweeted:

“Got to say congrats on a break out game for @BlakeGriffin I'm watching big fella”

If Griffin dunks anything like does during actual games, basketball fans are in for a real treat!

Who did you vote for? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags All-Star Game, Amare Stoudemire, basketball, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, NBA, Yao Ming