NBA stars to play in Obama basketball fundraiser

Carmelo Anthony (L) and Chris Paul watch a game between the Duke Blue Devils and Michigan State Spartans during the 2011 State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 15, 2011. They will play in US President Barack Obama’s fundraiser for his re-election campaign. AFP

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign is bringing together more than two dozen National Basketball Association stars for a fundraising basketball game next month.

Obama’s campaign says Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and many others will headline the “Obama Classic Basketball Game” on December12 in Washington.

With the NBA season in jeopardy because of the lockout, the game will serve as a fundraising All-star game. Others confirmed to play include Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

Tickets range from $100 to $5,000 for courtside seats. The money will go to the Obama Victory Fund, a joint fundraising account by the Democratic Party and Obama’s re-election campaign.