By City News Service
Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will be starting for opposing teams in today s 70th annual NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta.
James was the leading vote-getter among Western Conference players for the third time in his three seasons with the Lakers, making him a team captain. Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant was the leading vote-getter in the Eastern Conference and the game s other captain.
As the top overall vote-getter, James got the first choice in the draft of all-star players, and made Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo the first selection. Durant chose Leonard with the sixth overall selection.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
History will be made tonight as the NBA prepares for its 70th All-Star Game. For some players, such as Portland Trail Blazers wing Robert Covington, there will be a special significance. This year’s event will put extra emphasis on recognizing HBCUs, also known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with the National Basketball Player’s Association pledging to generate $3 million, as well as the exposure that comes from the NBA’s platform. According to Paul Marshall of OPB, Covington sees his involvement as part of his legacy.
“It’s beyond important. I’ve built a legacy and impacted lives,” Covington said.
Not even a pandemic can keep the NBA All-Star Game from a rebound.
The 70th annual NBA All-Star Game will air Sunday on TNT and ESPN Radio, live from State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
And for the first time, the NBA is packing all the events into just one night, with on-court contests beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET and the game itself at 8 p.m. ET.
Though typical All-Star programming will run a bit differently this year, there won’t be any shortage of on-court star power. Here’s what to expect when players take the court this weekend.
What’s different?
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