Kings' Cousins replaces Kobe Bryant on West All-Star team

It's official. DeMarcus Cousins is finally an All-Star.

After being snubbed last season despite prodigious numbers and being denied by fans and coaches again this season despite averages of 23.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals, Cousins has been chosen by commissioner Adam Silver to replace the injured Kobe Bryant on the Western Conference team.

While Silver selects All-Star injury replacements, it will be up to Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who will coach the West, to determine who replaces Bryant in the starting lineup.

Cousins, who ranks fifth in the league in scoring and third in rebounding, becomes Sacramento's first All-Star since Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller represented the franchise in 2004.

While the Kings' record (16-28) once again worked against Boogie in coaches' voting to determine All-Star reserves, it should be noted that Cousins' on-court impact on the underwhelming team is profound.

With Cousins on the court, the Kings outscore opponents by 6.4 points per 100 possessions, a mark that would rank fifth overall. With their All-Star on the bench, the Kings are outscored 12.8 points per 100 possessions, a mark that would rank dead-last, behind even the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.

The Kings, who have lost seven straight to fall 9.5 games out of a playoff spot, have gone 2-10 without Cousins in the lineup.