Big names take stage in Indianapolis ahead of NBA Celebrity All-Star Game

INDIANAPOLIS — Some big names walked across the red carpet in downtown Indianapolis ahead of Friday night’s NBA Celebrity All-Star Game.

Among the top celebrities participating in the festivities at Lucas Oil Stadium tonight are WNBA All-Star and Seattle Storm guard Jewell Lloyd and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Both spoke with FOX59 and CBS4’s Hannah Follman ahead of the celebrity game.

Others competing in the contest are Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons, singer Walker Hayes, retired Indiana Pacer Metta World Peace, Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud, Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua and musician Adam Blackstone.

Smith and former Super Bowl Champion Shannon Sharpe — who co-hosts “First Take” on ESPN with Smith — are coaching the Celebrity All-Star Game. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Lil Wayne and Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson will assist Sharpe and Smith.