DeMarcus Cousins to replace Kobe Bryant in All-Star Game

Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins will replace injured Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on the Western Conference All-Star team, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Friday.

Cousins was not one of the seven Western Conference reserves named Thursday, but a spot opened up when Bryant had season-ending shoulder surgery this week.

Cousins, who will make his first NBA All-Star Game appearance, has averaged 23.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 blocks in 32 games this season.

The 24-year-old Cousins is the first Kings' All-Star since 2004.

[SportsNetwork.com]