The NBA has just announced in an official statement that Grammy Award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson will take part in the festivities of the All-Star weekend, and will perform a tribute to the late great Kobe Bryant. According to the announcement which was made via NBA.com, Hudson will be performing prior to the introduction of the participants in this year's edition of the All-Star game.

Not only is Hudson one of the best female vocalists and performers in the country today, but she also happens to be a Chicago native, so a rousing ovation is to be expected. Not to mention the fact that she's also going to be honoring one of the greatest players this sport has ever seen in Kobe Bryant, which further adds to the anticipation of what should be a memorable performance.

The official release also stated that other artists will be joining Hudson during the All-Star weekend, including Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Quavo, and Chance the Rapper — another native of the Windy City.

For those who may have missed it, Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard suffered a groin injury on Tuesday, which will force him to sit out the All-Star game. The league has yet to make an announcement on who will replace the 29-year-old in the line-up, but more than a few folks are rooting for Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns to take Lillard's place. NBA commissioner Adam Silver we be the one to decide who the next man up will be, so this should be another thing to look forward to as we lead up to the All-Star weekend.