Chris Kaman tells it like it is

[Roy Hobbs]

Clippers center Chris Kaman doesn't think Lakers forward Pau Gasol deserves to be in next month's All-Star Game.

"I don't think Gasol should be in it at all," Kaman said when asked if he would be disappointed if Gasol is moved over to backup center when West coaches vote for All-Star reserves. "He's only played like 20 games (he played Thursday in his 25th out of 42 Lakers games) this year. I think there should be a number of games you should play. I think you should have to play like 80 percent of the games.

"It shouldn't be 50 percent (of games a player has logged) over a guy who plays 90 percent and who has better numbers. Not just me. Zach Randolph, a power forward, he has better numbers (than Gasol). But he's not on the Lakers."

Gasol is averaging 16.8 points and 11.1 rebounds to 20.4 points and 9.2 rebounds for Kaman, who has played in 38 of 42 games.

"I don't think he's a center," said Kaman, who added that he also thinks he's more deserving of an All-Star selection that Lakers center Andrew Bynum.

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There's not much else I can say other than, I agree.  And the same reasoning, frankly, should apply to KG, AI, etc.  Maybe injured players can be "named" all-stars, but they shouldn't have an opportunity to play; the slot should go to a more deserving player.

[Drucci]

I agree with Kaman, and I'm surprised that he got the "guts" to tell the truth. I wonder if he will get fined or snubbed in reaction to his comments.

[Who]

I'd like a low percentage. Say 20%. Or keep things the same and have none at all.

I have no interest in watching non-deserving players make the All-Star game due to playing more games than a better player. Just because someone had an injury in the first half of the season.

[moiso]

I agree.  Let KG and AI show up in a suit and wave to the crowd, then sit on the end of the bench.  At least KG played well when he played.  AI starting is a joke, since he has played poorly when he has played.  Did anyone see his quote in SI where he said he can still break ankles, but now he is using his John Stockton skills to outthink his opponents.  Funny stuff.  Like I just said in another thread, if AI says thanks for voting me in but I'm underserving, it would be the first classy and unselfish thing I can remember him doing.

[PLamb]

Kaman better beware

He's disrespecting Lakers, isn't that a fine-able offense

Get the checkbook ready Mr. Kaman

[Evantime34]

He's right and by his logic KG probably should not be a starter either (I agree).

[2short]

Good for Kaman!  I agree and don't watch the all star game its a waste of time.  The only all star things that matter are all nba voting at the end of season.