Making the All-Star team was a dream come true for LaMarcus Aldridge.

After getting snubbed in 2011, his selection to the team was sweeter because he could fully appreciate the work required to reach the All-Star game. The road wasn't easy for Aldridge, but he's moved passed last season's snub and played even better the season. Sunday's game was his chance to show the world what true basketball fans already know; this kid can play.

His experience, however, quickly turned bittersweet once Western Conference coach Scott Brooks seemingly forgot the 26-year-old forward was available for action.

Playing a total of 10 minutes, Aldridge never had a real chance to part of the game he worked so hard to reach. He wouldn't complain too much about the lack of minutes. Aldridge did, however, notice and let it be known he wasn't too happy about it.

"The last time I played that amount of minutes was in my rookie year when I was playing behind Zach Randolph," Aldridge said. "It's been a long time, but it's the All-Star game and it's my first; I guess that's how it goes."

"I thought I'd play more, definitely. Eight minutes, nine minutes, come on, I thought I'd play more, but it's fine because I had fun."

Brooks acknowledged watching the minutes is tough because there are so many deserving guys on the team.

"Well, that's the toughest thing about being in this position," said Brooks. "There's 12 guys that are deserving. It's such an elite, select company to be one of the 12 All Stars. This is his first time of probably many. I thought his minutes were really played hard and played well."

Aldridge's disappointment is understandable given how hard he worked to get to the game. He also has watched All-Star teammate Brandon Roy retire because of injury and many other teammates go down to serious injuries. Needless to say he has an understanding that nothing is promised and it's important to seize the moment. So, as he's done in the past, Aldridge decided to focus on the positives of Sunday's game and the fun he had in the minutes, as limited as they were, that he did play.

"I could look at the negative part of it, but I'm not," he said. "I got in the game and had fun talking with and being around the guys. It's always something and with my luck it's always something. So I'm not going to worry about it. I'm going to focus on getting back to Portland and winning games."

The biggest part of the weekend for Aldridge was the time he had around the other players. He learned a lot from the guys and plans on taking his lessons back to Portland for the season's stretch run.

"I had a chance to build some camaraderie with a few guys I didn't know," he said. "Being in this setting it gives you an opportunity to talk with them and get to know them in a different way. Being around these guys and seeing how they lead, even in an All-Star game, is something you can take back to your team. It's gives you confidence to go back home and bring it to your team."