NEW YORK, N.Y. - New Orleans forward Anthony Davis was chosen Friday to replace the injured Kobe Bryant in the NBA All-Star game that will be played in his home city. "Its a great opportunity for me. Im excited to play in the game," said Davis, who was informed hed been added to the Western Conference roster by Pelicans coach Monty Williams. "When coach said it. I was speechless. I didnt know what to say. Im glad they chose me. Ill try to go out and represent New Orleans and the Pelicans." Davis was nearly chosen as a reserve, but missed by one spot in voting by Western Conference head coaches, a person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because vote totals were not released. Speaking before the Pelicans hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves, Davis acknowledged he was disappointed when he was initially left off the roster. "I was down, but I moved on. I understand that I have a lot more opportunities to try to get in the game," Davis recalled. "Today, it was great." The 2012 U.S. Olympian ended up getting into the Feb. 16 game at Smoothie King Center when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver chose him to replace Bryant, who was voted by fans to start but is still recovering from a broken knee. Davis is averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and a league-leading 3.3 blocks for the Pelicans. Davis, the No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft, is also scheduled to play in the Rising Stars Challenge for rookies and second-year players next Friday. Davis confirmed he still intended to play in that game as well, but Williams was gratified he got into the main event as well. Williams said he thought Davis had worked so hard and was having such a stellar season that he had taken the unusual step of lobbying the coaches he knows best to vote for Davis as a reserve. "I cant tell you how happy I was to be able to tell him the news after having to tell him the first time that he didnt make it. It was a cool moment. I cant express that enough, how happy I am for him," Williams said. "He thought I was joking. He said, Not a game, coach? And I was like, No, not a game. You made it. And he was speechless and laughing. You know, hes 20. I didnt expect a poem or anything. "I thought he deserved it the first time," Williams added. Minnesota coach Rick Adelman agreed. "He certainly deserves it. Hes the leading shot-blocker in the league," Adelman said. "I had a feeling hed be the one they would chose and rightfully so, getting a representative from New Orleans in the game. Hes certainly worth it." Western Conference coach Scott Brooks of Oklahoma City will decide who replaces Bryant in the starting lineup. Nike Air Max Ireland Sale . "I wasnt waving the pom-poms to be involved with it to start with," Carlyle said after a 5-2 win over Carolina on Sunday night. "Its been a trying time. "Specifically we havent played as well as wed like to hang our hat on. Nike Air Max Buy Online Cheap .com) - Eric Fehr and Marcus Johansson each registered a pair of goals, as Washington spoiled the head coaching debut of Peter Horachek by picking up a 6-2 victory in Toronto on Wednesday. http://www.airmaxcheapireland.com/. - A late-game interception by defensive back Malcolm Butler saved the Super Bowl for the New England Patriots. Cheap Air Max Ireland . -- Martin Kaymer never lost sight of opportunity even amid so much evidence of trouble in the closing stretch Sunday at The Players Championship. Air Max Clearance Ireland .B. -- Canadas Rachel Homan opened the Ford Womens World Curling Championship with a 7-5 win over Russia on Saturday.Paul Lambert has revealed frustration with the Blackburn owners led to his decision to leave Ewood Park. The Scot revealed he was activating a release clause in his contract and has decided to step down as Rovers boss after the final game of the season on May 7.The former Aston Villa manager expressed concerns about the clubs summer transfer plans in the days leading up to his announcement and has admitted he and the club wanted to go in different directions. Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, he said: Im probably frustrated more than anything. Ive got no animosity or any criticism of the owners, players, staff or fans. Blackburn are 18th in the Championship table heading into their final two games Im disappointed Im leaving because I thought we could really give it a go in the summer, but obviously were going in different directions and Ill go see what else is out there.It needs a little bit of help on the financial side, I think everyone knows that.Blackburn are 18th in the Sky Bet Championship table with their position in the league guaranteed for another season. Im disappointed Im leaving because I thought we could really give it a go in the summer, but obviously were going in different directions and Ill go see what else is out there. Paul Lambert Lambert was hoping for clarification on his spending budget for the coming summer transfer window, but has denied claims it was the principle factor in his decision.We never really got round to that [discussing transfer funds], so I cant really say that was it, he said. Everybodys been really nice since I came here.I just felt there was a different direction that I wanted to go and drive the club really hard and fast and try and get out of the league. Theres only two scenarios in the Championship, either get promotion or go into the play-off. Highlights of Blackburns 2-2 draw with Bristol City last weekend Anything else outside that and you are just much the same as everyone else.dddddddddddd I thought Blackburn Rovers had the potential to go and challenge into that top six in the summer.We had discussions a few weeks ago, but we thought if it wasnt really going to go in the way we thought it could go, I think everyone was in agreement it was better to activate the clause and everybody was happy with it. Ive got no ill feeling towards anyone here.Lamberts impending departure has led to speculation over his future with former club Celtic touted as a possible option after he enjoyed eight successful years there as a player. Paul Lambert enjoyed eight successful years at Celtic. Celtic announced that manager Ronny Deila was leaving at the end of the season, but Lambert, who won the Champions League with Dortmund, would not be drawn on talk of a return to the Scottish champions.Im not in a position to say Ill go for the Celtic job, Im not that type of person. Im not in a position to do anything, but win the next two games for Blackburn, he added. Also See: Blackburn video Blackburn fixtures Blackburn 2-2 Bristol City Get £10 free bet! ' ' '