February 7 (agencies) - Los Angeles Lakers center
Shaquille O'Neal is out of this weekend's NBA All-Star Game and
will be replaced by Sacramento Kings center Vlade Divac, the
league said on Wednesday.
O'Neal's sore right arch is still hurting so he will not
play in Sunday's game at the MCI Center in Washington.
The NBA named Divac, a former Laker, to replace O'Neal.
The Yugoslav native will be making his first All-Star appearance in
12 NBA seasons. His coach, Rick Adelman, who became Western
Conference coach on the strength of the Kings' performance this
season, will decide who will start at center.
Predrag Stojakovic
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Divac is averaging 10.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
Another Yugoslav in the Sacramento, Predrag Stojakovic, will display his shooting touch twice during All-Star weekend, first during NBA's 2ball competition with Monarchs guard Ruthie Bolton-Holifield and second at the long distance shootout contest.
