He's hopeful both are named, but Nuggets coach George Karl believes Chauncey Billups, left, has a better shot being an All-Star reserve than Carmelo Anthony.

"My gut says Chauncey's national respect will help him make it a little bit more than Melo, and Melo not playing the last three weeks (because of a broken hand) is not going to help . . . ," Karl said. "I would probably bet on Chauncey, and I would bet a little less on Melo."

LAKERS BEATABLE?

Karl doesn't buy the Lakers being locks to win the West.

"There's numerous teams in the Western Conference that will have time to grow up and challenge (them)," he said.

That includes the Nuggets.

"We have a window of improvement," he said.

SMITH'S CHARITY

J.R. Smith said he likely will choose a Hurricane Katrina charity for a $25,000 donation courtesy of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Cuban will match his recent fine for antics in Denver.

Smith, with New Orleans during the 2005 hurricane, has donated before to Katrina relief.

WHO'S COUNTING?

Despite getting his age wrong, Karl, 57, said he once was similar to Kenyon Martin.

"I'm 58 years old, and I learned how to control my anger," Karl said. "I used to be an . . . angry competitor. . . . That's who Kenyon is."

Karl said the two have a "very good relationship" three years after Martin was suspended for confronting Karl.