LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant was laughing and smiling.
A man who had spent 19 seasons cultivating and embracing a villain persona clearly was enjoying the positive, love-filled vibes that overflowed in Staples Center as Bryant dropped 60 on Utah in his final game in the NBA. It was a storybook ending, one that seemed too perfect.
You can see how Kobe is soaking all of that in as he addressed the fans at Staples Center following his final game. He thanked them — and they reciprocated the feeling.