1st All-Star selection

Stats: 16.5 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 1.2 apg.

After missing the first four games on league suspension, Bynum got off to a dominant start for the Lakers, averaging 20 points and 16.7 rebounds in his first three starts. That earned him extra defensive attention, which he's struggled with at times. Still, he's much improved on both ends of the court with almost as many blocks (34) as fouls (39).

Deserving? Yes. He's been the West's most effective center on both ends of the court, edging Denver's Nene, Memphis' Marc Gasol, Phoenix's Marcin Gortat and Utah's Al Jefferson.

2nd All-Star selection

Stats: 21.6 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.9 apg.

His hellacious dunk on Kendrick Perkins is this season's signature NBA highlight, but Griffin has been a consistent force for the much-improved Clippers. His stats are down a bit from his rookie season, a result of better surrounding talent but also lousy free-throw shooting.

Deserving? Probably. Griffin has been very good, but not great, in his second season. Minnesota's Kevin Love and Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge have been just as good, but they can't compete with Griffin in a popularity contest.
 

3rd All-Star selection

Stats: 26.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.1 apg.

Durant is shooting and scoring a little less than usual, mainly because he no longer needs to carry the Thunder offensively. But he's become a more efficient scorer and is averaging career highs in rebounds, assists and blocks for the best team in the league.

Deserving? Absolutely. His improved all-around game and leadership make him a legit MVP candidate in his fifth NBA season.
 

14th All-Star selection

Stats: 30.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.4 apg.

With the trade of Lamar Odom and the absence of other perimeter threats, Bryant has assumed a greater offensive burden for the Lakers at the age of 33. And he's carried it extremely well, leading the league in scoring. His rebounds and assists are also higher than they've been in years.

Deserving? For sure. The only question is whether Kobe can keep this up.

5th All-Star selection

Stats: 19.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 9.1 apg.

He's been everything the Clippers hoped he'd be and more. Not only is he shooting better than ever, his leadership and competitiveness have continued LA's rapid transition from league laughingstock to title contender.

Deserving? There are other outstanding point guards in the West, including Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, San Antonio's Tony Parker, Phoenix's Steve Nash and Houston's Kyle Lowry. But Paul is the best.
 

6th All-Star selection

Stats: 20.1 ppg, 15.4 rpg, 2.1 apg.

Howard has been as dominant as ever with five 20-20 games and he helped the Magic get off to a strong start. But he hasn't been able to halt Orlando's implosion over the last few weeks, having abdicated a leadership role as he continues to angle for a trade.

Deserving? Who else are you going to pick? Javale McGee?
 

8th All-Star selection

Stats: 29.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 7.0 apg.

He's added a low-post game, he's rebounding better than ever and his stats are incredible across the board. He hasn't been as good in the fourth quarter as he's been in the first three, which is troubling, but he's still the MVP front-runner right now.

Deserving? Only the blindest of LeBron haters believe he shouldn't be an All-Star.

5th All-Star selection

Stats: 23.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.4 apg.

As usual, Anthony is among the league leaders in scoring, but everything else about his season has been disturbing. He's barely shooting 40 percent, his rebounds are down and his turnovers are up. Most importantly, the Knicks are the league's biggest disappointment, and much of that falls on Carmelo's shoulders.

Deserving? No! The East isn't full of strong forwards, but Miami's Chris Bosh, Atlanta's Josh Smith and Orlando's Ryan Anderson would be better choices.
 

8th All-Star selection

Stats: 20.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.5 apg.

Various leg injuries have sidelined Wade for nine games and, while he's had several explosive games, it seems that his legs aren't quite under him yet. His stats are down and he hasn't made a 3-pointer all season.

Deserving? Probably not. When healthy, he's clearly one of the two best guards in the East. But he's missed too many games in this abbreviated season to warrant a starting spot. New Jersey's Deron Williams, Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings and Cleveland rookie Kyrie Irving are more deserving.

3rd All-Star selection

Stats: 23.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 7.7 apg.

Rose has been slowed a bit by a foot injury that's cost him five games, but even at half speed he's almost impossible to guard. With more offensive support, he doesn't need to shoot as much, but his talent and willpower again have Chicago on top of the East.

Deserving? If you don't think so, we have one word for you: Bull.