Magic and Kareem were All-Star mainstays in the 1980s. Andrew D. Bernstein NBAE/Getty Images

Here's one thing to remember in regard to the NBA's 2004 All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles: You can't spell All-Star with out L.A.

As the NBA returns its midseason classic to Tinseltown on Feb. 13-15 for the fourth time in the game's history, it's time to look back at the All-Star Game with an eye on L.A.

When you talk about NBA All-Star games played in Los Angeles, you talk about Russell dominating in 1963, Mr. Clutch living up to his name in 1972 and Marvin's singular rendition of the National Anthem in 1983. When you talk about All-Stars from Los Angeles, you can't forget Magic in 1992 or Kareem's 13 appearances with the Lakers or both of them appearing in seven All-Star games together.

Here are some basic stats and facts about the three previous All-Star Games in Los Angeles and some of the greatest performances by L.A. players in All-Star history.

		1. Magic Johnson 1992 All-Star Game, Orlando Playing in his first game of the 1991-92 season since announcing his retirement from the NBA on November 7, Magic Johnson turned in one of the best and most affecting All-Star Game performances in history. Magic scored 25 points, was 9-fo12 from the field, including 3-for-3 from three-point range and dished nine assists. He was a no-brainer for the game's MVP. • American Express Celebrates the Rewarding Life of Magic Johnson

		2. Jerry West 1972 All-Star Game, Los Angeles West was not only the leading scorer for the West (tying Connie Hawkins with 13 points), but he also won the game with a last-second 20-foot jump shot on the run. West played in 12 All-Star Games for the Lakers, notching an his All-Star game high of 22 in 1970. He averaged 13.3 points in his dozen appearances.

		3. Kobe Bryant 2002 All-Star Game, Philadelphia In 1998, Bryant was the youngest player in All-Star history at the age of 19. Four seasons and two NBA titles later, Bryant was the star of stars in Philadelphia. Bryant scorched the best players in the world for 31 points. And his Western Conference coach was duly impressed: "What an incredible performance he put on," Don Nelson said. "He was a step ahead of the best in the league, and you could see it." Others could too. Bryant was named the game's MVP.

		4. Shaquille O'Neal 2000 All-Star Game, Oakland Participating in his sixth All-Star Game (he was selected for another in 1998, but was injured), Shaquille O'Neal scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds to share co-MVP honors with San Antonio's Tim Duncan. Shaq and Duncan led the West to a hard-fought win over a scrappy East squad. "It was an honor to be voted co-MVP, right next to this great player right here," said O'Neal, sharing the spotlight and the dais with Duncan.

		5. Magic Johnson 1990 All-Star Game, Miami Johnson wins the first of his two All-Star Game MVP awards after leading all scorers with 22 points. In winning the award, Johnson becomes the third player in All-Star history to win the MVP but see his team lose (Bob Pettit, 1958 and Julius Erving, 1977 were the others), which the West handily did, 130-113. • American Express Celebrates the Rewarding Life of Magic Johnson