Pope of Basketball.

Summary

On the 16th, several Lakers players attended the All-Star Weekend in Houston, while Yang Rui stayed in Los Angeles. Damon Jones competed in the three-point contest, and rookies Ellis and Iguodala participated in the Rookie Challenge. The Western Conference starters included Nash, Kobe, Garnett, Duncan, and Yao Ming, with Garnett facing criticism for the Timberwolves' poor performance and a recent ejection incident. Despite being a fan favorite, his struggles affected his popularity. The Western Conference reserves included notable players like Byron Davis, Pau Gasol, and Rasheed Wallace, who had low averages yet still made the selection. Shaquille O'Neal missed the All-Star game due to injury, while the Eastern Conference starters featured Iverson, Wade, McGrady, James, and O'Neal. The Eastern reserves included stars like Pierce and Stoudemire, with the Hawks emerging as a strong contender. The All-Star Weekend was lackluster, with the Rookie Challenge won by second-year players. The All-Star Game ended with James earning MVP after a tight finish. Yang Rui focused on team strategies while the Lakers continued a winning streak. Despite minor injuries, the team maintained its lead in the standings, with Yao Ming dominating games. Ke Bi struggled with his shooting but was advised to pass more for better efficiency. His scoring numbers fell behind Iverson's, as Yao Ming gained support from Chinese fans and businesses. Ke Bi ultimately prioritized team success over personal stats, especially as the Lakers aimed to break a record.

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