On one hand, Lakers fans always pack Philips Arena for the team's annual visit, and many of those supporters arrive clad in Bryant jerseys. On the other, Bryant suffered a high-profile injury in Atlanta in March 2013 after the infamous Dahntay Jones incident and the Lakers and Hawks haven't exactly been "rivals" during his time in Los Angeles.
However, Friday night's contest will be special for folks in Atlanta, as Bryant visits for the final time before his retirement following the 2015-2016. To be frank, this is the only major story line for the Lakers this season, as they are one of the worst teams in the NBA, and Bryant is a transcendent player to the point where he absolutely should be celebrated.