Should things change today, third-season Jazz point Williams could replace him on the Western Conference team — with veteran Golden State guard Baron Davis another possibility.

NBA commissioner David Stern would make the replacement selection, if needed.

Stern already has tapped two Eastern Conference replacements, picking Boston guard Ray Allen on Thursday to fill in for Washington's injured Caron Butler and earlier choosing Detroit's Rasheed Wallace to take the place of injured Boston big man Kevin Garnett.

Williams, seeking to make his first All-Star Game appearance, ranks fourth among current NBA leaders in assists per game with 9.4.

All three players ahead of him — Steve Nash, Chris Paul and Jason Kidd — are All-Stars this season.

The Jazz had not received any word as of late Thursday that Williams would replace Bryant if needed, team spokesman Jonathan Rinehart said.

But Williams, thought to be in the NBA's good graces for his cooperation with various league activities, already is in New Orleans to take part in Saturday night's skills contest.

The Jazz already have one All-Star, forward Carlos Boozer.

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com