INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Rome Flynn earned MVP honors for the second straight year in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night, scoring 17 points to lead a team coached by Giannis Antetokounmpo to a 65-58 victory.
Actor-comedian Anthony Anderson coached the losing team, led by former 7-foot-6 NBA player Tacko Fall with 20 points.
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Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts is introduced before an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Jeremy Lin, right, pressures Keenan Allen during an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Coaches Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, and Anthony Anderson watch action during an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Coach Anthony Anderson, left, jokes around with Rick Schnall during an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The game brought basketball back to the Forum, home of the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” era until 1999, when they moved 10 miles away to downtown Los Angeles. Now, it has a different sponsor name under Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and is mostly used as a concert and entertainment venue.
K-pop made its debut at the game with boy group CORTIS performing at halftime.
Victor Wembanyama tossed up the opening tip between Team Giannis' Jenna Bandy and Team Anthony's Adrien Nunez, who got control, was fouled and missed his first throw.
Bandy was the only woman in either team's starting lineup.
Team Giannis had a huge advantage in the paint with Fall grabbing most of the rebounds. His dunk made it a one-point game in the third.
Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang garnered the loudest screams of the night, especially after he scored back-to-back baskets in the first quarter for Team Giannis.
Two of the oldest guys on the court were Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia (age 46) and Rick Schnall (50-something), who's part of the Charlotte Hornets ownership group. Schnall fouled Ishbia in the first quarter, and Ishbia hit the free throws in a throwback to his Michigan State playing days.
Los Angeles Chargers star Keenan Allen hit a long shot from the red, white and blue line that was worth 4 points for Team Anthony. It launched a flurry of points for the wide receiver in the second quarter and he finished with 18 points.
Mascots from the Hornets and Mavericks alternated as sixth men restricted to playing in the backcourt for a bit in the third quarter.
Sidelined since Jan. 23 with a calf strain, Antetokounmpo won’t be playing in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
But the two-time MVP was assisted by his brothers Thanasis and Alex on Friday. Another assistant was Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.
Former NBA player Jeremy Lin credited Betts for an inspiring halftime speech. “He definitely knows a lot about basketball,” Lin said.
The game marked the start of All-Star weekend, followed by the Rising Stars game down the street at Intuit Dome.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts is introduced before an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Jeremy Lin, right, pressures Keenan Allen during an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Coaches Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, and Anthony Anderson watch action during an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Coach Anthony Anderson, left, jokes around with Rick Schnall during an NBA basketball's All-Star Celebrity Game Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
TARBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 13, 2026--
LS Cable & System USA, Inc. (“LSCUS” or the “company”), a US-based subsidiary of LS Cable & System Ltd. (“LS C&S”), today announced a $50 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Tarboro, North Carolina, underscoring the company’s commitment to onshoring advanced manufacturing to the United States, strengthening the supply chain, and serving as a key partner in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260213830112/en/
The expansion will add two additional Continuous Catenary Vulcanization (CCV) production lines, significantly increasing capacity for medium-voltage power distribution cable manufacturing. These new CCV lines will support growing demand from electric utilities, renewable energy projects, data centers, and industrial customers across North America. The investment will also increase total employment at the facility from 250 to 335 jobs.
“This announcement demonstrates LS Cable & System USA’s confidence in North Carolina,” said North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. “We are home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and a thriving business environment that makes our state attractive to companies looking to grow. North Carolina is eager to support LS Cable & System as it strengthens the domestic supply chain to energize our nation.”
“North Carolina is proud to support LS Cable & System USA’s expansion in Tarboro,” said North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This project strengthens our state’s advanced manufacturing sector, supports critical energy infrastructure, and creates meaningful opportunities for rural workers and communities.”
“This $50 million expansion by LS Cable & System in Tarboro is a strong vote of confidence in North Carolina’s workforce and our role in strengthening America’s energy infrastructure,” said U.S. Senator Thom Tillis. “By onshoring advanced manufacturing and expanding domestic cable production, LS Cable & System is helping build a more resilient supply chain while creating good-paying jobs in eastern North Carolina. I’m proud to support investments like this that power economic growth and keep our state competitive.”
U.S. Senator Ted Budd said, “LS Cable & System is a fixture of eastern North Carolina’s business community, helping manufacture critical infrastructure our country depends on. Their work strengthens our economy, brings essential industries back to the United States, and creates good-paying jobs for North Carolinians. I’m glad to see this expansion of operations in Tarboro, and I look forward to the growing opportunities in eastern North Carolina that will result.”
“LS Cable & System USA's bold investment reflects a powerful commitment to creating jobs and driving long-term economic growth for Tarboro and beyond,” said U.S. Congressman Don Davis (NC-01). “As industrial energy demand surges nationwide, these investments are crucial to building the infrastructure that supports America's future. We extend our gratitude to the LS Cable & System USA team for recognizing the tremendous value of our community and for their unwavering dedication to our future.”
North Carolina Senator Kandie Smith said, “Economic development in Edgecombe County is about creating sustainable growth while honoring the strength of our rural communities. Investments like this help ensure Tarboro remains competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.”
"This $50 million expansion in Tarboro is a significant investment in the people and future of Edgecombe County. It will create new jobs for local citizens while strengthening our tax base, resources that help support our schools, infrastructure, and essential services. This is exactly the kind of economic growth we need: growth that benefits working families and positions our community for long-term success," said North Carolina State Representative Shelly Willingham.
“LS Cable & System USA continues to achieve strong success in Tarboro and Edgecombe County and this latest expansion investment of $50 million with two new production lines is a testament to their commitment to our region and the growing demand for power distribution cables,” said Bob Pike, President of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership.
Tate Mayo, Mayor of the Town of Tarboro said, “This $50 million expansion by LS Cable & System USA is a tremendous vote of confidence in Tarboro and in the hardworking people of Edgecombe County. We are proud that a global leader in advanced manufacturing continues to choose Tarboro for long-term growth, job creation, and investment in our community. This project strengthens our local economy while supporting critical infrastructure across the nation and beyond.”
“This investment reflects LS Cable & System’s long-term vision to expand our global manufacturing footprint while localizing production in key strategic markets,” said Bon-Kyu Koo, President & CEO of LS Cable & System, Ltd. “As electrification, energy transition, and grid modernization accelerate worldwide, we are making disciplined, forward-looking investments to ensure we can reliably support our customers and partners for decades to come.”
“North America is one of the most important growth regions for LS Cable & System,” said Gisu Kim, Regional President of North America, LS Cable & System, Ltd. “The Tarboro expansion strengthens our regional manufacturing base, enhances supply chain resilience, and positions us to respond quickly to increasing demand across utilities, renewable energy, and industrial sectors.”
“This expansion demonstrates our continued focus on advanced manufacturing and technology leadership,” said Jeong Hyeon, President & CEO of Gaon Cable Co., the parent company of LSCUS and a subsidiary of LS C&S. “By adding new CCV production capacity in Tarboro, we are supporting the reliable delivery of quality power distribution solutions to the North American market.”
“This investment allows LS Cable & System USA to significantly scale our medium-voltage manufacturing capabilities while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,” said Taewon Son, President & CEO of LS Cable & System USA, Inc. “The Tarboro facility has a strong operational foundation, and these new CCV lines will enable us to grow alongside our customers and support critical infrastructure projects across the country.”
“Beyond manufacturing capacity, this expansion represents a continued investment in the Edgecombe County and the broader region,” said Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director of LS Cable & System, Ltd. “We value the partnerships we have built with local leaders, institutions, and the workforce, and we remain committed to being a long-term contributor to economic development and community growth in North Carolina and across the United States.”
The Tarboro expansion builds on a series of significant investments by LS Cable & System, Ltd., and its subsidiaries, across North America in recent months:
The Tarboro facility expansion is expected to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen domestic supply chains, and further position LS Cable & System USA as a key supplier of medium-voltage power cables in the U.S. market. LS C&S also plans to continue investing in North America throughout 2026, building on its ongoing commitment to advanced manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and the nation’s energy infrastructure.
About LS Cable & System Ltd.
Founded in 1962, LS Cable & System Ltd. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of power and communication cable solutions. LS C&S employs more than 6,500 people and operates over 40 subsidiaries across 17 countries, delivering advanced technologies that support modern power grids, alternative energy development, and high-performance communications infrastructure. For more information, visit www.lscns.com.
LS Cable & System USA Announces $50 Million Expansion Investment in Tarboro, North Carolina
Roger Murry (Akin Gump), Sec. Lee Lilley (North Carolina Department of Commerce), Patrick Y. Shim (LS Cable & System), and Rep. Don Davis (U.S. House of Representatives)
U.S. Congressman Don Davis and Gisu Kim, Regional President of North America, LS Cable & System
Bob Pike, President, Carolinas Gateway Partnership; Tate Mayo, Mayor of Tarboro; U.S. Congressman Don Davis; North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley; North Carolina Senator Kandie Smith; North Carolina State Representative Shelly Willingham; Gisu Kim, Regional President of North America, LS Cable & System, Ltd.; Bon-Kyu Koo, President & CEO of LS C&S; Sangho Lee, CFO of LS C&S; Hyun Chung, CEO of Gaon Cable; Taewon Son, CEO of LS Cable & System USA; Brian Hansoo Jo, Plant Director, LSCUS Tarboro; and Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director, LS C&S