Report: NBA will boost pay for winners in All-Star Game

The picking teams format won't be the only big change at this year's NBA All-Star Game.

The league will try to boost competitiveness in the game by increasing the bonus for players on the winning team to $100,000 apiece, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes.

While players on the losing team will still receive $25K each, the winners are getting $50K more than in years prior.

This is separate from any bonuses players will receive from their own teams.

The players see it as a welcome change.

"I think guys will definitely take the game more seriously. In the last couple of years, the games haven't been good, and we're all aware of that. Regardless of that, I think guys are going to come out and compete. But that's a big incentive, for sure. We're going to be diving for loose balls out there," Boston Celtics forward Al Horford told ESPN.

Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving and Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson also said they expect the change in pay to be a huge incentive.

All-Star Weekend is Feb. 16-18 in Los Angeles.

--Field Level Media