James Harden to Reportedly Start in Kobe Bryant’s Place for All-Star Game

Anthony Davis was named as Kobe Bryant’s replacement for the big game in NOLA this Sunday, and now, James Harden is taking the injured Kobe’s spot in the starting lineup. Reports Yahoo!:

Bryant (988,884) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (1,047,281) earned the right to start in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday after securing the top two vote totals for West guards in the fan balloting. Bryant, however, will miss the game due to a knee injury and has not played since Dec. 17. Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks, who is coaching the West All-Stars, chose Harden as a starter.

Harden is making his second All-Star appearance and his first as a starter. He is averaging 23.9 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds for the Rockets this season. Brooks coached Harden with the Thunder from 2009-12.