Yao Still Not Comfortable in Role as the Chosen One

Houston Rocket center Yao Ming, who became a spokesman for McDonalds this week, is one of the NBA’s most sought-after personalities, but that doesn’t mean he likes the special attention.

“[LeBron James] enjoys that a lot more than I do,” Yao said through an interpreter Friday.

Yao, one of China’s biggest international celebrities, already has endorsement deals with Reebok International, Apple Computer Inc. and Visa.

“I’m not saying that I don’t completely like it,” Yao said, “but it seems to me that [James] gets more enjoyment out of it.”

For Yao, it’s more important for him to improve as a player.

Although he’ll be the Western Conference starting center in Sunday’s All-Star game, the second consecutive year he has started the game, he said that the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal is still the man.

“I think [the area] I’ve improved most is my assertiveness and aggressive play, but that’s also the area I need to work on most,” said Yao, who has matched up well against O’Neal, including an impressive showing in the Rockets’ victory over the Lakers on Wednesday.

“I don’t think one game can tell you anything. The season is 82 games and that’s what you have to base it on.... [O’Neal] doesn’t have to prove anything at all, he’s already proved it.”

Yao also said that he doesn’t believe that it’s right to call him the next great big man in the league. At least, not yet.

“It’s a lot of pressure,” the second-year player said. “For them to say that is one thing, but whether you’re able to live up to that is another matter.”

Although he’ll be a starter Sunday, Yao played in Friday’s rookie-sophomore game, scoring six points and grabbing five rebounds in 14 minutes.

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The Lakers and Clippers are the home teams for this year’s All-Star game, but the New Orleans Hornets’ Baron Davis has taken on the role as the honorary host of the weekend.

Davis, a Los Angeles native, was all over the place Friday. He spent the early part of the afternoon at the NBA’s interview session at the Century Plaza Hotel, then made a courtside appearance at the celebrity game at the Convention Center.

Less than an hour after that game ended, Davis was seen being interviewed by TNT’s Cheryl Miller at the rookie-sophomore game at Staples Center.

“It means a lot for me to be here, especially growing up in L.A.,” Davis said. “I come back here every year [during the off-season]. For me to be playing in [the All-Star game] is like a dream come true for me and for every other friend I grew up with.

“This is my city, along with [Boston’s] Paul Pierce. We’re the only ones from Los Angeles. People come to us when they want to know where to go.”

Being a local also presents a few problems, especially when it comes to tickets.

“Oh, that’s been rough,” said Davis, who will compete in the 989 Skills Challenge today. “I have been bugging people like Tracy McGrady for tickets. I have 26 and need at least 14 more.”

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Denver 5-foot-5 guard Earl Boykins will also compete in the Skills Challenge, but he told reporters Friday that it was a mistake for him not to be invited to compete in tonight’s Slam Dunk competition.

“But that’s OK, my knees have been bothering me anyway,” Boykins joked. “But if I’m ahead comfortably in [the Skills Challenge], I’ll have a surprise for folks. They’ll see then if I can dunk or not.”

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-- Lonnie White

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The All-Star game Sunday will be televised live, but the entertainment elements will be shown on a seven-second delay.

The decision was made Friday by Turner Sports President David Levy “as a precaution,” a TNT spokesman said.

The delay will allow time for possible editing during the pregame introductions or halftime.

Hip-hop group OutKast will perform during player introductions and Christina Aguilera will sing the U.S. national anthem. Beyonce Knowles will sing at halftime.

TNT also said that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would join Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson during the 5 p.m. pregame show.

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Larry Stewart

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Today’s jam session at the Convention Center is sold out. Tickets are still available for Sunday and Monday sessions.