Nowitzki replaces Bryant in three-point shootout

The league's reigning most valuable player, Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks was named to replace Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, who has suffered a dislocated right pinkie finger, in the three-point shootout on NBA All-Star Saturday night in New Orleans.

 Nowitzki, who won the event in 2006 in Houston, will try to outshoot defending champion Jason Kapono of the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Hornets' Peja Stojakovic, who won the 2002 and 2003 titles.

 Daniel Gibson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Richard Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons and two-time league MVP Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns round out the field.

 Despite pulling out of the three-point shootout, Bryant is expected to play alongside Nowitzki for the Western Conference in Sunday's NBA All-Star Game.