All-Star smackdown

Here comes word from Denver-based reporter Chris Tomasson that Clippers center Chris Kaman doesn't believe Lakers power forward/center Pau Gasol doesn't deserve to be selected as a reserve to the Western Conference All-Star team. The picks will be announced next Thursday before TNT's doubleheader.

"I don't think Gasol should be in it at all,'' Kaman said Thursday night when asked if he would be disappointed if Gasol, who starts at power forward for the Lakers, is moved over to be the backup center. "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.''

For what it's worth, 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. Randolph is averaging 20.8 points and 11.5 rebounds while having played in all 41 games.

What's more, Kaman also said he should be picked over Andrew Bynum who is averaging 15.4 points and 8.4 rebounds.

"I think I'm more deserving than Andrew Bynum,'' Kaman said. "I'd be disappointed if they put Pau Gasol in front of me. If they put Bynum (ahead of me), it would be disappointing but it would be easier to accept.''