TORONTO – Russell Westbrook extended his arms and waved his hands, imploring the crowd to get louder.
Louder, louder.
Louder.
With 1:06 remaining in Kobe Bryant’s final All-Star Game, Anthony Davis checked in and Bryant exited the NBA’s biggest stage as the Western Conference All-Stars defeated the East’s contingent, 196-173, in a game.
Bryant pounded his fist against his chest, and lifted an arm in gratitude to a crowd roaring his name. He embraced the players on the floor, and made his way to the bench, where he continued to distribute hugs.
The suspicion that Bryant’s teammates would feed him the ball and set him up for a record fifth All-Star MVP did not materialize.