March 10--Fans at Staples Center might be getting kind of used to seeing Kobe Bryant hanging out in street clothes. Since announcing his impending retirement back in November, the Lakers superstar has sat out 10 of the team's 25 home games.
It was more of the same Wednesday night at Staples -- well, there were a few differences. A Kings hockey game, rather than a Lakers basketball game, was taking place. Bryant was in attendance with his wife, Vanessa.
And they received the ultimate thrill of appearing on the Kiss Cam.
After a sweet peck on the lips from his wife of nearly 15 years, Bryant gave a smile and a wave to the crowd before the camera moved on to its next victims.
As if that wasn't enough excitement for one evening, the five-time NBA champion also received an autograph from Kings mascot Bailey ... when the self-proclaimed world's sassiest lion (it's in his Twitter bio) was able to squeeze him in.
And the Bryants got to see a thrilling Kings win, 4-3 in overtime over the Washington Capitals.
