Third round of All-Star returns has Kobe Bryant fourth overall

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant throws down a dunk against the Pacers in the first half Sunday night at Staples Center.

By Eric Pincus

Jan. 8, 2015 1:14 PM PT

Kobe Bryant is still on track to start at guard in the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15.

According to the third round of balloting returns released by the NBA on Thursday, Bryant is fourth overall with 862,568 votes behind Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (971,299), Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (958,014) and New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis (922,381).

Bryant is 171,725 votes ahead of Houston Rockets’ James Harden (690,843). The top two guards in the Western Conference will be elected starters.

The Clippers’ Blake Griffin (490,786), Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol (476,660) and Davis also project to start in the West.

The Washington Wizards’ John Wall (564,977), Chicago Bulls’ Pau Gasol (527,582), Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade (507,326) and New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony (456,186) are projected to start alongside James in the Eastern Conference.

Jeremy Lin (148,763) is ninth among guards in the West. Nick Young (62,502) is 14th in frontcourt balloting.

Voting concludes on Jan. 19. The 64th NBA All-Star Game will be played in New York City at Madison Square Garden.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.