DALLAS (February 14, 2008) — The NBA announced today that Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will compete in the 2008 Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout in New Orleans on Feb. 16. Nowitzki will replace Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, whose dislocated pinkie finger on his right hand forced him to withdraw from the competition.

This will mark the fifth time Nowitzki has competed in the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout. He also participated in 2000, 2001, 2006 and 2007. Nowitzki won the event in 2006 during All-Star Weekend in Houston.

The Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout will be televised live nationally as part of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which will also feature the Haier Shooting Stars, Sprite Slam Dunk and PlayStation® Skills Challenge. TNT and ESPN Radio’s national coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET from New Orleans Arena.