Kobe Bryant has played for the Los Angeles Lakers his entire NBA career.
Kobe Bryant has played for the Los Angeles Lakers his entire NBA career. Reuters

The NBA announced the starters for the 2012-2013 All-Star Game in Houston on Thursday, with Kobe Bryant named to the West squad for the 15th consecutive time.

Bryant, who is enjoying one of his best seasons at age 34, led all players in votes with 1,591,437. Bryant surpassed Jerry West, Karl Malone, and Shaquille O'Neal for the most NBA All-Star selections.

The Lakers star was followed by LeBron James, who will be making his ninth All-Star Game appearance, with 1,583,646 votes. James was joined by Miami Heat team-mate Dwyane Wade, who also earned his ninth selection.

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo will make his first appearance as a starter. He will be joined by teammate Kevin Garnett, who tied Bryant and O'Neal for second all time with his 15th selection behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was selected 19 times. New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony will also start for the East.

Joining Bryant in the West is teammate Dwight Howard, and a pair of Clippers: Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant received the third-highest votes (1,504,407).

Reserves will be announced next Thursday.

The 62nd All-Star Game will be held on Feb. 17 at 8 pm eastern time, at the Toyota Center. TNT will televise the game.

NBA