Phil Jackson received a warm ovation at the end of the first quarter at Staples Center.
Kurt Rambis was also there, along with Sasha Vujacic, all representing the New York Knicks one way or another.
Times change. Coaches and players leave the Lakers. Once-mighty franchises drop precipitously and miss playoffs three consecutive seasons for the first time in their 68-year history.
Neither the Knicks nor Lakers were championship material Sunday but New York emerged with a 90-87 victory.
Jose Calderon made the winning three-pointer with 0.2 seconds left, ending Kobe Bryant's last game against so many pieces of his past, including close friend Carmelo Anthony.