ARDMORE, Pa. -- Most of the people didn't know the man they came to honor -- at least not really. Most of those who came to lay down flowers, No. 24 and 33 jerseys, candles, teddy bears and basketballs had never spoken to the man they came to mourn.
The news of Kobe Bryant's death ricocheted around the world on Sunday night. In 41 years, Bryant identified with Italy and Los Angeles, No. 8 and No. 24 -- but it all started here, in a leafy suburb 12 miles to the northwest of Philadelphia, at Lower Merion High School.