New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis was named Friday by NBA commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant in next week's 63rd NBA All Star Game.
Davis, a member of the US gold medal team at the 2012 London Olympics, will make his first appearance at the annual showdown of elite talent in his team's home arena when the Eastern and Western Conference squads meet on February 16.
Davis, 20, is averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and an NBA-best 3.3 blocked shots over 40 games for the Pelicans.
Despite playing only six games this season because of a fractured left knee, Bryant was voted into a starting spot in the All-Star Game by NBA fans.
Because Bryant is not yet fit enough to play, new commissioner Silver -- who replaced David Stern last Saturday -- had to name a new member of the Western Conference roster.
But it will be West coach Scott Brooks, appointed because his Oklahoma City Thunder had the best record in the conference, who decides which All-Star player will replace Bryant in the starting line-up.
