This story was originally published on April 14, 2016. Kobe Bryant's final game will re-air on ESPN and the ESPN app Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
LOS ANGELES -- The clock ticked toward midnight Wednesday. The sold-out stands had emptied hours earlier.
Now, ushers, security guards and cleaning crews swept mounds of purple and gold confetti, streamers and balloons into white trash bags. But Kobe Bryant remained on the court.
In a black Los Angeles Lakers hoodie, sweatpants and a pair of his sneakers, the 37-year-old gathered his family -- his wife and two young daughters -- on the Staples Center hardwood, and posed for pictures beside the team's half-court logo.