It was the kind of day that only somebody of Kobe Bryant’s stature could have.
Hours after visiting the White House for a quick meeting with President Barack Obama, the 17-time all-star left another opposing arena chanting his name after dropping a season-high 31 points to lead the Lakers past Washington, 108-104.
Bryant treated a largely pro-Lakers crowd to a vintage finale, hitting a 3-pointer with 58 seconds left to turn the Wizards’ one-point advantage into an L.A. lead.
When Marcin Gortat answered on the next possession to tie it back up, Bryant sunk a 16-foot jumper, which sent Verizon Center into a frenzy and put the Lakers ahead for good.