It’s Gilbert vs. Kobe, a duel of words and lethal scorers; it’s the possible debut of Darius Songaila; it’s the first game after Eddie Jordan became the All-Star coach and Caron Butler an All-Star player.
It’s also the Lakers coming to town tonight.
For an early February game, the subplots are plenty; perhaps that’s why the game is sold out.
In December, Arenas scored 60 points in a 147-141 victory in Los Angeles. Afterward, Lakers star Kobe Bryant questioned Arenas’ shot selection, among other things.
“I didn’t take offense to it,” Arenas said. “He said he didn’t say it like that. I’m a fan. Just because comments were made I’m not going to say, ‘That’s my idol but I’m not going to talk to him anymore.’ It’s just a big game and everybody else wants to see it and we’re just going to go out there and play hard.”
Also, Songaila, who has missed the first 45 games because of a back injury and subsequent surgery, might debut tonight. He likely would play limited minutes. But his return comes at a good time, with forward Antawn Jamison sidelined at least three to six weeks with a sprained knee.
Songaila said he will see how his back feels after Saturday’s shootaround.
Meanwhile, Butler and Jordan both will be at home for the first time since Thursday’s All-Star announcement.
“It is exciting and a great honor,” Jordan said. “It is going to be a terrific weekend. I had a chance to be a part of it as an assistant with the Nets, so it is not that nerve racking. I just hope it is not a one- or two-point game, but if it is, you know who gets the shot. Anybody can make that shot with this team.”
ARENAS JUMPS THE GUN, SAYS HE’LL DO 3-POINT CONTEST
Last season, Arenas was a late addition to the 3-point contest at All-Star weekend.
This time, Arenas is apparently the second participant — even if the news didn’t come in the usual way.
In his blog on NBA.com, the Wizards guard wrote: “I’ve been practicing for the last two weeks for my 3-point competition. I have to bring that trophy home. I have to.”
— AP
