Intro:

The NBA All Stars held a walk through practice Saturday (February 25) ahead of Sunday's marquee game.

The Western and Eastern Conference players shared a court set up at the Orlando Convention Center's "Jam Session", which has been transformed into an NBA theme park for the weekend.

Script:

It is the NBA All Stars weekend and Saturday's "Jam Session" at the Orlando Convention Center had something for NBA fans of all ages with autographs, interactive games and NBA exhibits all on offer.

But the real attraction was on court where the All Stars held a 45 minute practice session.

There are debutants such as Spain's Marc Gasol, younger brother of Pau, who secured his future by signing a 58 million dollar contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies in December last year.

Also making his bow is Chicago's Luol Deng who will become the first British player to feature in the mid-season showcase.

SOUNDBITE: Luol Deng (English) On being an All Star:

"Just fun. I really can't say anything more than that. Just the fact that I 'm here to represent, but just having fun."

Meanwhile Dallas veteran Dirk Nowtizki. who will be playing in his 11th All Star match , represents the older generation

SOUNDBITE: Dirk Nowitzki (English) On being an All Star:

"We've got so many young, bright new stars now in this league like (Kevin) Durant and Blake (Griffin). Getting ot know some of those guys in the locker room is fun for me. But also have to try and get some rest this weekend. We've got 9 games in 12 days coming out of the break which is unheard of basically. So you have to find a good mix between having some fun and also getting some rest."

Kobe Bryant, who appeared in front of the press for the first time this weekend on Saturday after being laid low by illness is making his 15th appearance in the All-stars game and will be looking to win the MVP award for the fifth time.

West meets East on Sunday night at 7:30 in the evening Florida time - (00:30 GMT)