Kevin Love selected as final All-Star

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NEW YORK -- Kevin Love will be going to the NBA All-Star Game.

The NBA's leading rebounder was added to the Western Conference roster on Friday night by commissioner David Stern as the injury replacement for Houston center Yao Ming.

Love said he was "shocked" when Rambis delivered the news about his All-Star nod in front of the entire team about 30 minutes before the game.

"I was looking at him like 'What are you talking about?' " Love said. "I looked around like 'Is Ashton Kutcher about to pop up in here?' "

Love was arguably the biggest snub when reserves were announced Thursday night. He entered play Friday averaging 21.4 points and 15.5 rebounds, and shooting 43.9 percent from 3-point range. He has 34 straight double-doubles, but was undoubtedly hurt by his Minnesota Timberwolves' 11-37 record when West coaches voted.

West coach Gregg Popovich will determine who will start the Feb. 20 game for Yao, who is out for the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Love played in the All-Star rookie-sophomore game in 2010, finishing with 12 points and six rebounds.

"I remember sitting on a plane last year with [team president David Kahn]," Love said. "He said 'Maybe one day you'll be in the game on Sunday.' I was thinking to myself 'Wouldn't it be nice if it was back home in L.A.,' and here I am."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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