Iverson to start in All-Star Game

NEW YORK, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Allen Iverson, despite a brief retirement and a lackluster season, was named Thursday as a starter for the Eastern Conference in next month's All-Star Game.

LeBron James of Cleveland and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers led the way in fan balloting to determine the starters. Bryant will be making his 12th appearance in the mid-season exhibition contest.

Iverson played three games for Memphis before announcing he was retiring, but he soon signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Even though he has made no impact on the NBA's season, he received 1,269,568 votes from the fans and will start alongside Dwyane Wade of Miami in the East's backcourt.

"I just want to thank everybody for their support this season and it's an honor that the fans have voted me into the All-Star Game as a starter," Iverson said. "The fans are who make us and make the NBA so popular. This year is even more special because I'll be representing a city and fans that I love and a team that has been such a big part of my life throughout my career."

It will be Iverson's 11th trip to the All-Star Game.

Joining Iverson, Wade and James in the East starting lineup will be Kevin Garnett of Boston and Dwight Howard of Orlando.

In addition to Bryant, the West starters will be Steve Nash of Phoenix, Carmelo Anthony of Denver, Tim Duncan of San Antonio and Amare Stoudemire of Phoenix.

James received 2,549,693 votes to lead the fan balloting. Bryant was tops in the Western Conference with 2,456,224.

The game will be played Feb. 14 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.