NBA, AEG to make “major announcement,” likely on Staples Center hosting All-Star game for 2018

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will be at the Lakers' game on Tuesday against Memphis at Staples Center to make what the NBA called a "major announcement." AP Photo/Kathy Willens

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will be at the Lakers’ game on Tuesday against Memphis at Staples Center to make what the NBA called a “major announcement.” AP Photo/Kathy Willens

The NBA appears likely to attract buzz in the next few years at Staples Center. The variables could go beyond how well the Lakers rebuild or if the Clippers make a deep playoff push.

The NBA and AEG plan to make what they call “major announcement” at Staples Center on Tuesday prior to when the Lakers (14-55) host the Memphis Grizzlies (40-30).

What the “major announcement” will entail could not be immediately confirmed. But it appears likely the news will entail Staples Center planning to host the NBA All-Star game in 2018. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, AEG President and CEO Dan Beckerman, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission President Kathy Schloessman will attend a pre-game press conference.

This would mark the third time Staples Center has hosted the NBA All-Star game since opening in 1999, including in 2004 and 2011.

Former Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal collected his second of third All-Star MVP trophies in 2004, while Lakers guard Kobe Bryant secured his fourth and final All-Star MVP honor in 2011. NBA All-Star weekend in 2011 also featured the Lakers unveiling Jerry West’s statue outside Staples Center as well as Clippers forward Blake Griffin winning the Dunk Contest.

The NBA also hosted All-Star games in Los Angeles both at the L.A. Sports Arena (1963) and at the Forum (1972, 1983).

USA Today’s Sam Amick first reported last month the initial discussions the NBA had about Staples Center hosting the All-Star game in 2018.

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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com