NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND: LA gets READY FOR A SLAMMIN' JAMMIN PARTY WEEKEND!

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 8:  LeBron James...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
February 18, 2011
2 A.M.

Los Angeles, CA

Got game? Downtown Los Angeles and the Staples Center is going to be the CENTER of the BASKETBALL universe this weekend as the 60th Annual NBA All Star Game rolls into town.

This is the hottest ticket in town. No, I don't have one, but this is my birthday weekend, so I guess anything in possible. Not probable. Just a slim change....

NBA All-Star Jam Session: February 17 – 20, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
NBA All-Star Celebrity Game: Friday, February 18, 2011 at center court in Jam Session, 7 p.m.
NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge: Friday, February 18, 2011 at the Staples Center, 9 p.m.
NBA All-Star Practice: Saturday morning, February 19, 2011 at center court in Jam Session, 1:30 p.m.
Wonder what the LeBron James basketball went forImage by miamism via FlickrNBA All-Star Saturday Night: Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Staples Center, 8:30 p.m.
NBA All-Star Game: Sunday, February 20, 2011 at the Staples Center, 8 p.m. 

Anyway, I am EVERYTHING NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND here on my blog.

First the starting line ups. Impressive. No surprises here:

EAST
WEST
Derrick Rose Chris Paul
Dwyane Wade Kobe Bryant
Lebron James Kevin Durant
Amar'e Stoudemire Carmelo Anthony
Dwight Howard Tim Duncan
East Reserves: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Chris Bosh, Al Horford and Joe Johnson.

Blake Griffin, basketball player for the Oklah...Image via WikipediaWest Reserves: Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Russell Westbrook, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Deron Williams, Kevin Love and Blake Griffin.
 
Slam Dunk Contest:

Forget about it.   This on is in the bag. Our very own Blake Griffin, from the Los Angeles Clippers headlines the 2011 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest.

 He will take on Serge Ibaka, JaVale McGee and DeMar DeRozan.

Shooting Stars:  Texas: Dirk Nowitzki, Roneeka Hodges and Kenny Smith. Los Angeles: Pau Gasol, Tina Thompson and Rick Fox.  Atlanta: Al Horford, Coco Miller and Steve Smith.  Chicago: Taj Gibson, Cathrine Kraayveld and Steve Kerr



Three Point Contest: 
This will be a treat to watch.  Contestants are Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics, Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Daniel Gibson or the Cleveland Cavaliers, James Jones from the Miami Heat, and Dorell Wright of the Golden State Warriors.

NBA ROOKIE CHALLENGE
ROOKIES vs. Second Year Players
ROOKIES TEAM--                                    SOPHOMORE TEAM--
Player Team Hgt. Draft Player Team Hgt. Draft
Eric Bledsoe L.A. Clippers 6-1 18th DeJuan Blair San Antonio 6-7 37th
DeMarcus Cousins Sacramento 6-11 5th DeMar DeRozan Toronto 6-7 9th
Derrick Favors New Jersey 6-10 3rd Stephen Curry Golden State 6-3 7th
Landry Fields New York 6-7 39th James Harden* Oklahoma City 6-5 3rd
Blake Griffin L.A. Clippers 6-10 1st Taj Gibson Chicago 6-9 26th
Wesley Johnson Minnesota 6-7 4rt Jrue Holiday Philadelphia 6-4 17th
Greg Monroe Detroit 6-11 7th Serge Ibaka Oklahoma City 6-10 24th
Gary Neal San Antonio 6-4 Undrafted Brandon Jennings Milwaukee 6-1 10th
John Wall Washington 6-4 1st Wesley Matthews Portland 6-5 Undrafted

SKILLS CONTEST

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets; Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors; Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls; John Wall, Washington Wizards; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder.

 Also, plan on taking the Metro this entire weekend to Down Town LA.  Yep.  Parking is going to be off the hook expensive and way to many cars are expected.  Tons of fun will be at the Convention Center and at the new LA LIVE next to the Nokia. 

Forget about the Academy Awards NEXT WEEKEND!  The CENTER of the BASKETBALL WORLD has ARRIVED IN LA!