Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Thursday, The National Basketball Association announced the starters for the league all-star game in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday, Feb. 18.

Eastern Conference starters will be LeBron Games (F) from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chris Bosh (F) of the Toronto Raptors, Gilbert Arenas (G) of the Washington Wizards, Shaquille O’Neal (C) and Dwyane Wade (G) of the Miami Heat.

Western Conference starters will be Kevin Garnett (F) from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tim Duncan (F) of the San Antonio Spurs, Kobe Bryant (G) of the Los Angeles Lakers, Tracy McGrady (G) and Yao Ming (C) of the Houston Rockets.

Phoenix Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni will coach the Western Conference team. The Eastern Conference coach has yet to be determined.

James’ 2,516,049 votes is the second-highest largest total ever, second only to Yao Ming’s 2,558,278 in 2005.

Eastern Conference voting breakdown
Forwards: LeBron James (Clev) 2,516,049; Chris Bosh (Tor) 1,091,263; Jermaine O’Neal (Ind) 934,749; Grant Hill (Orl) 677,423; Paul Pierce (Bos) 615,911; Rasheed Wallace (Det) 549,693; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 459,139; Tayshaun Prince (Det) 408,936; Caron Butler (Was) 404,489; Emeka Okafor (Char) 388,170.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 2,029,591; Gilbert Arenas (Wash) 1,454,166; Vince Carter (NJ) 1,451,156; Jason Kidd (NJ) 838,486; Chauncey Billups (Det) 499,670; Stephon Marbury (NY) 458,181; Michael Redd (Mil) 351,277; Ben Gordon (Chi) 316,428; Steve Francis (NY) 307,287; Richard Hamilton (Det) 306,547.

Centers: Shaquille O'Neal (Mia) 1,622,446; Dwight Howard (Orl) 1,464,613; Ben Wallace (Chi) 788,950; Alonzo Mourning (Mia) 338,904; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 256,579; Zaza Pachulia (Atl) 244,507; Nazr Mohammed (Det) 217,067; Eddy Curry (NY) 202,010; Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Clev) 196,000; Primoz Brezec (Char) 164,734.

Western Conference voting breakdown
Forwards: Kevin Garnett (Minn) 1,616,575; Tim Duncan (SA) 1,436,584; Carmelo Anthony (Den) 1,309,945; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 1,276,304; Shane Battier (Hou) 1,025,643; Shawn Marion (Pho) 551,173; Lamar Odom (LAL) 438,824; Josh Howard (Dal) 412,102; Pau Gasol (Mem) 237,828; Carlos Boozer (Utah) 359,882.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 2,138,777; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 1,942,796; Allen Iverson (Den) 1,813,638; Steve Nash (Pho) 1,504,826; Manu Ginobili (SA) 541,341; Tony Parker (SA) 501,429; Chris Paul (NOK) 462,206; Ray Allen (Sea) 444,443; Jason Terry (Dal) 421,924; Baron Davis (GS) 354,412.

Centers: Yao Ming (Hou) 2,451,718; Amaré Stoudemire (Pho) 1,209,333; Erick Dampier (Dal) 385,179; Marcus Camby (Den) 373,382; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 339,247; Francisco Elson (SA) 252,622; Tyson Chandler (NOK) 202,531; Brad Miller (Sac) 186,230; Mark Blount (Minn) 175,322; Chris Kaman (LAC) 160,234.