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Kobe Bryant took home MVP honors for the Western Conference as the West shined brighter than the East on All-Star weekend. 148-143 was the final from Staples Center in L.A. Chris Paul started at PG for the West, finishing with 10 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and a game high 5 steals.

Stephen A. Smith, of espnnewyork.com, says the New York Knicks have to do whatever it takes to land Carmelo Anthony, below.

The Hornets David West and Emeka Okafor are left off the all-star team, as is Minnesota Timberwolves Forward Kevin Love. Clippers PF Blake Griffin is the only rookie selected to the all-star team.

Chris Paul was named to his fourth straight NBA all-star team Thursday. It is the second time he has been voted by the fans as a starter. Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony were named as the other Western Conferencer starters. Eastern conference all-star starters are Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Hornets continue to struggle, having lost nine of their last twelve. Miami is going in the other direction, winning their ninth straight.