Sam Amick

USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis has been selected as the All-Star injury replacement for the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.

The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been announced, though it has since been announced by the league.

The second-year player who was the first overall draft pick in 2012 is averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.3 blocks per game. With his rarefied numbers and status as the star of the host team, as the game is in New Orleans, Davis was no surprise as the choice. He also will play in the Rising Stars Challenge game, showcasing the best rookies and second-year players.

Bryant has played in only six games this season because of his recovery from an Achilles tendon tear as well as a fractured left tibia that was suffered in mid-December. He was voted in by fans along with the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry as a starting guard.

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul was third among Western Conference guards in votes received, but Western Conference coach Scott Brooks of the Oklahoma City Thunder has not announced who will start for Bryant.