The Skyliner

Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: Sports

Nike has set up a billboard in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, that has drawn a lot of attention since its debut several years ago.

Displayed for the entire city, if not nation, to see is Cavaliers' phenom LeBron James soaring through the air, undoubtedly on his way to slamming home a thunderous dunk.

The billboard is plain, showing only the depiction of James and the simple phrase, "We are all witnesses."

Who says there is no truth in advertising?

Since entering the league in 2003 as the first overall pick of that year's draft, James has energized the league in ways few others ever have.

Sunday night in New Orleans, Lous., at the 2008 NBA All-Star game, we were once again witnesses to the greatness that James brings to the floor in the league's biggest setting.

Winning his second All Star most valuable player award in three years, James helped the East avenge 2007's stinging defeat to their Western Conference counterparts.

The East was aided in their victory by James' 27 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

Also newcomer to the Eastern Conference squad, Ray Allen poured in 28 points, including three big three-pointers down the stretch to hold off a late game surge by the West.

James finished off the West late in the fourth quarter with an intense jam against nearly four Western defenders, bringing the New Orleans crowd to their feet in a gesture of respect to one of the game's elite players.

The All-Star Game put a wrap on All-Star Weekend, which included:

• Dwight Howard winning the dunk competition in Superman regalia,

• Jason Kapono tying the record for points scored in the three-point shootout and

• James' Cavalier teammate Daniel Gibson hitting a record 11 three-pointers in the Rookie versus Sophomore challenge.

Noticeably missing from this year's All-Star showcase was Shaquille O'Neal, who missed his first All-Star event in a dozen seasons.

Another story line from the 2008 All-Star Weekend was the impending Jason Kidd trade from New Jersey to Dallas.

Kidd's disappointment with the Nets organization has been building for some time.

And as of Sunday night, the deal was nearly complete to send Kidd to Dallas.

Perennial All-Star Kobe Bryant started the game for the Western Conference and played some early minutes but sat out the rest of the game by request of the Lakers training staff.

Bryant has a torn ligament in his pinkie finger that Los Angeles hopes will heal soon.

So, Bryant can team with new Laker teammate Pau Gasol to push Los Angeles towards the playoffs.

The All-Star Game was another good showing for the NBA.

Early, the game featured a numerous display of dunks and playground moves, but as the game progressed, its best players began to compete at a high level.

The NBA All-Star Game still reigns supreme as the ultimate display of professional athletic talent and ability in any sport on a given night in February.

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