NBA All-Star Game returns to Houston

The NBA All-Star Game will return to Houston for the third time as the National Basketball Association announced the Texas city will host the 2013 festivities.

The game will be played at the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets.

"Houston is a spectacular sports city, and for one week it will be the basketball capital of the world," NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a press release. "NBA All-Star is a magnificent celebration of our game, and I want to thank the city and the Rockets for welcoming us once again."

The last time Houston hosted the game, in 2006, LeBron James became the youngest player to be named the all-star MVP.

"I am thrilled the Rockets and the City of Houston have once again brought NBA All-Star to Toyota Center," Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said. "The All-Star Game showcases the best basketball players in the world and will allow our great Rockets fans and the entire community the opportunity to once again experience the best that our league has to offer. The 2006 All-Star Game in Houston was a tremendous success and we plan to set the bar even higher in 2013."

The city also played host in 1989 where Utah Jazz teammates John Stockton and Karl Malone stole the show.

"Houston knows how to show visitors a good time and we can't wait to pamper NBA fans with our southern hospitality and charm," said Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker. "You could spend 365 days in our city and still not experience everything this town has to offer. We are alive with talent, rich in diversity and just downright full of fun. I wish the NBA and all of its fans an unforgettable stay in Houston."

Other events scheduled to take place that week include: the NBA Rising Stars Challenge, a basketball skills competition, the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and the popular slam dunk contest.