Oregon Public Broadcasting

Trail Blazer forward LaMarcus Aldridge is now an All-Star.

NBA coaches selected Aldridge as a reserve for the 2012 Western Conference team. He was considered a strong All-Star candidate last year,  but didn't make the team.

Aldridge told Blazers Broadcasting he was especially gratified to make the team this season, after what he called a "snub," last season. Aldridge shared the credit with his teammates.

"Those guys are the reason why I made the game – coaching staff, and the whole city of Portland, you know, I think everybody backing me up, giving me the confidence to play to that level," Aldridge said.

Aldridge is averaging a career-high 23 points and more than eight rebounds a game in his sixth season with the team.

He was the second pick in the 2006 draft. He started his career the following season with Brandon Roy, a fellow rookie at the time.

Roy made three All-Star teams before retiring at the beginning of this season.

The Eastern and Western Conference All-Star teams play on  February 26th.

Lake Oswego native Kevin Love, joins Aldridge on this year's All-Star team.  He plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.