The 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend tips off on Friday, with the Celebrity Game and the Rising Stars Challenge taking center stage. The Los Angeles Lakers are well represented with the selections, as Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball were all selected to the U.S. Team.
However, their participation may be at a minimum. Ball’s recovery from a sprained MCL in his left knee means he’s not able to play, and Lakers head coach Luke Walton is hopeful Ingram and Kuzma won’t log significant minutes in what’s a third game in as many nights.
While many will want to see Kuzma and Ingram shine on their home court, the game also features rosters that will provide a lot of entertainment.
The World team is led by Philadelphia 76ers teammates Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. They are joined by Dario Saric, Lauri Markkanen, Domantas Sabonis, and Dillon Brooks in the frontcourt. Also joining them are guards Bogdan Bogdanovic, Buddy Hield, Jamal Murray and Frank Ntilikina.
Both Ball and Malcolm Brogdon will not be playing for the U.S., which is a big hit to their guards. Alas, they still have Donovan Mitchell, Dennis Smith Jr., Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn, and De’Aaron Fox left in the backcourt. The big men are composed of John Collis, Jayson Tatum, Taurean Prince, Kuzma and Ingram.
Fox was named the replacement for Ball this week. The rosters for the game were selected by various assistant coaches around the NBA. The voting required them to chose four forwards, four guards and two players that fall into either.
The World Team will be coached by Toronto Raptors assistant Rex Kalamian, while Houston Rockets assistant Roy Rogers leads the U.S.
There have been three matchups between these two teams since the format changed in 2015, with the World twice coming out on top thus far.
Rising Stars Challenge details
6:00 P.M. PST, February 16. 2018
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: TNT
World Team Roster:
Bogdan Bogdanovic (Kings)
Dillon Brooks (Grizzlies)
Joel Embiid (76ers)
Buddy Hield (Kings)
Lauri Markkanen (Bulls)
Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
Frank Ntilikina (Knicks)
Domantas Sabonis (Pacers)
Dario Saric (76ers)
Ben Simmons (76ers)
U.S. Team Roster:
Lonzo Ball (Lakers)
Malcolm Brogdon (Bucks)
Jaylen Brown (Celtics
John Collins (Hawks)
Kris Dunn (Bulls)
Brandon Ingram (Lakers)
Kyle Kuzma (Lakers)
Donovan Mitchell (Jazz)
Dennis Smith, Jr. (Mavericks
Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
Taurean Prince (Hawks)
De’Aaron Fox (Kings)