Small shreds of gold confetti, released from the Staples Center rafters Wednesday night to celebrate Kobe Bryant’s farewell to the Lakers and the NBA, could still be found in odd places Thursday morning when the Kings took over the building to prepare for their playoff opener Thursday night against the San Jose Sharks.
The roars triggered by Bryant’s 60-point performance and the excitement generated by the occasion also lingered in the minds of the Kings.
The team had stayed at a nearby hotel Wednesday night, and some players heard cheers erupt from the arena before the telecast showed Bryant hit his final shot and close out his career in spectacular fashion.