Well, that was interesting. I think everyone wondered what the reaction to Kobe Bryant would be inside Staples Center, and it was overwhelmingly negative. As soon as his picture appeared on the video screen during introductions, the vast majority of fans roared with boos. It was a direct contrast to the reaction given to Derek Fisher, who received huge cheers.

Marge Hearn, Chick’s widow, did the introductions. She also got much more applause than Kobe.