NBA Western Conference All-Stars: Rocking Orlando

Hoping to make the 2011-12 NBA Lockout a distant memory, the NBA 2012 All-Star Game festivities take center stage this weekend. It’ll be hi-light reel after hi-light reel throughout the NBA Rookie Challenge along with the always anticipated Slam Dunk Competition.

It all leads up to the 2012 All-Star Game as the NBA East battles the NBA West. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 PM ET on Sunday, February 26, 2012, from the sparkling new Amway Center in sunny Orlando, Florida.

NBA West Starting Five Shine Bright in Orlando

Kobe Bryant, who received his 14th NBA All-Star nod this season, is joined by first time All-Star and fellow Los Angeles Laker Andrew Bynum to lead the West. Kevin Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder, along with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers round out the starting five for the West.

Western Conference All-Star Super Subs

Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, born in 1974, is the oldest player in this years contest and he is making his eight All-Star appearance. Guard Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City),  Center Marc Gasol (Memphis), and Forward  LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland) join Bynum in their first NBA All-Star Game.

Dirk Nowitzki from the World Champion Dallas Mavericks, G Tony Parker from the San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love, round out the 12 players who make up the Western Conference All-Star Team that’s set to rock Orlando.