NBA Announces All-Star Lineups

The NBA has announced the starting lineups for the 2013 All-Star Game, and there are very few surprises in it. The better race will be for the reserve spots, where there are plenty of deserving candidates, but for now, here are the 2013 NBA All-Star Lineups:

Eastern Conference:
Celtics G Rajon Rando
Heat G Dwyane Wade
Heat F LeBron James
Knicks F Carmelo Anthony
Celtics F/C Kevin Garnett

Western Conference:
Clippers G Chris Paul
Lakers G Kobe Bryant
Thunder F Kevin Durant
Clippers F Blake Griffin
Lakers C Dwight Howard

Notably, 4/5ths of the West is based in Los Angeles, despite the fact that the Lakers are playing subpar basketball so far (to say the least) and Dwight Howard has been a shell of himself this year. A more deserving candidate? Probably the Spurs' Tim Duncan, who is having a resurgent season at age 36. In the East, the only questionable call is Kevin Garnett, who could easily have been replaced with Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez, or even some under-the-radar guys like the Pistons' Andre Drummond or injured Cavs big man Anderson Varejao. However, it's a fan vote, and that's who the fans want to see.

Who else should get picked? In the West, there are some no doubters: guards Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker and James Harden are very deserving of spots, as well as the aforementioned Duncan. In the East, young Kyrie Irving is having a sensational year, as is Knicks bench star J.R. Smith and Pacers star Paul George. The coaches picks are always controversial, but we'll have to wait until a little closer to the big game in Houston to find out if they messed up!