DeMarcus Cousins replaces Kobe Bryant in 2015 All-Star Game

A grievous error has now been corrected.  After being left off of the All-Star team by NBA coaches yesterday, DeMarcus Cousins has now officially been named an All-Star by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver according to a report from Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski.  Cousins is set to replace Kobe Bryant in the game.

Even though Cousins is very deserving of the spot, I'm still surprised that the NBA chose him over fellow snub Damian Lillard.  Maybe it's just because I'm a Kings fan and am used to expecting the worst result possible.  Whatever the case, DeMarcus Cousins is now an All-Star and we can all rejoice.

Cousins is the first Sacramento Kings All-Star in 11 years, when Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic made the game in 2004.  This will most definitely not be the last time Cousins makes the game, but the first time is always the most special.  We've had very little cause for celebration these past couple months, so enjoy this Kings fans, and congratulations Boogie.

UPDATE 11:20 P.M.:

The Kings and Cousins have released the following statement on Cousins' selection:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. ---- Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins was named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Western Conference All-Star Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, it was announced today by the NBA. Cousins' selection marks the first time a Kings player will participate in an All-Star game since Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic represented Sacramento in 2004. He will become the sixth player during the Sac-era, and 23rd in franchise history to represent the Kings in the All-Star Game.

"I'm extremely excited to play in my first All-Star game," said Cousins. "I appreciate the recognition and want to also thank my teammates and the fans for their support throughout the season. Representing the Kings and the city of Sacramento is a great honor."

"Everyone in the Kings organization is thrilled for DeMarcus and happy that his diligence and commitment to becoming the best player he can be has been recognized," said Kings General Manager Pete D'Alessandro.

"This honor is a result of the hard work and determination DeMarcus has shown throughout the season," said Kings Head Coach Tyrone Corbin. "He dedicated himself to improving those talents that make him a special player and he is demonstrating every night how unique an athlete he is in this league."

In his fifth NBA campaign, Cousins is averaging 23.8 points (.481 FG%, .806 FT%), 12.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.38 steals, 1.63 blocks and 33.8 minutes per game in 32 contests, leading the Kings in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. He was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Nov. 17-23 after registering 25.7 points (.577 FG%, .773 FT%), 16.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.71 blocks per game in leading Sacramento to a 2-1 week. Cousins appears among NBA leaders in several categories ranking fourth in double-doubles (26), fifth in scoring and third in rebounding.