Kobe Bryant leading the way for the 2011 NBA All-Star game

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angles Lakers is leading the overall voting for the 2011 NBA All-Star game, which is appropriate considering that the game will be played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Others leading the way for the Western Conference are Chris Paul at the one-guard, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony at the forwards, and oddly, Yao Ming at center. Yao has been out for a bit now due to another injury issue and won't play in the game at all. When the coaches make their reserve selections, one of them will start in Yao's place. In the East, the leading guards in voting are Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade with LeBron James and Kevin Garnett in the lead in voting for forwards, and Dwight Howard at the five spot. The official starters will be named on January 27.

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Gallery: Kobe Bryant leading the way for the 2011 NBA All-Star game

Griffin, Ibaka, McGee, and Jennings in NBA slam dunk contest

The NBA slam dunk contestants have been announced and there's already a clear favorite for the contest. The Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin is one of four dunkers who will show their skills and creativity during the 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The hometown boy should be favored as he's provided the most highlight-worthy number of dunks this season. Other participants include Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Javale McGee of the Washington Wizards, and the smallest dunker amongst big men, Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks. Who do you think will win?

Gallery: Griffin, Ibaka, McGee, and Jennings in NBA slam dunk contest