NBA: Damian Lillard named All-Star Game MVP in record East win over West

Damian Lillard was named the NBA All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player after helping the Eastern Conference beat the Western Conference 211-186.

The Milwaukee Bucks guard scored 39 points, including 11 three-pointers, in Indianapolis.

The East’s points tally was a record in an All-Star Game, surpassing the 196 scored by the West in 2016.

“It’s an honour,” said 33-year-old Lillard on winning the Kobe Bryant MVP Trophy.

“I’ve been here quite a few times, so to have this kind of accomplishment is special.”

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown contributed 36 points and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton 32 for the East, who were the home side.

Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves scored 50 for the West.

The total of 397 points in the 73rd All-Star Game broke the record of 374 set in 2017.

La Lakers’ LeBron James, 39, took part in a record 20th All-Star Game but, because of an ankle injury, played only 14 minutes for the West and scored eight points.

It was reported that the Golden State Warriors tried to acquire James, external before the trade deadline on 14 February.

“I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” he before the game.

“But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It’s a great organisation – so many greats. But we’ll see.”