Listen to Boston Celtics fans loudly chant Kobe Bryant’s name

“I’m bringing my family down, because my kids have never been to Boston”, Bryant told reporters following Monday’s loss in Charlotte.

But those cheers quickly turned to boos the first time he touched the ball, with numerous fans reminding him that he remains a big part of perhaps the NBA’s best rivalry. He shot 5 for 18 from the field.

“I was determined and said listen I have to figure a solution with this leadership thing and do whatever is necessary”, Bryant said. The Lakers then wrote an ending as they saw fit.

“It will be a little bit of both”, Bryant predicted before finishing with 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting, 11 rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes.

But those warm and fuzzy moments soon faded.

Bryant might have booed himself in the first half Wednesday. Bryant mis-timed two passes that led to turnovers.

Each of his made baskets, even free throws, were a reason for celebration from the Garden crowd. On the other hand, Celtics shot only 25 percent from deep. With winning basketball back in Boston and Kobe Bryant playing for the Lakers, the sport’s biggest rivalry was back at full strength. The Lakers aren’t going to sniff the playoffs this season and that’s too bad for the team’s leading scorer.

Isaiah Thomas had 24 points and Evan Turner scored 20 for Boston, which had won four in a row. Amir Johnson leads in blocks with 1.2 per game.

The Celtics beat the Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals with a commanding Game 6 victory in Boston behind a newly constructed roster headlined by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. “I don’t think the fans here really understand how much they drove me”.

The Celtics knew that they should have beaten the Lakers and ESPN talks about the disappointing game. Then, the Celtics fans gave Abdul-Jabbar a 95-second standing ovation.

The Celtics’ brain trust at that time included president Red Auerbach and head coach/vice president of basketball operations M.L. Carr.

“It’s been remarkable”, Scott said. “Because when we lost in 2008, that was the turn”.

Unlike Abdul-Jabbar, Bryant has not received any public displays of gifts at his request.

The parquet given to Bryant was from the team’s original parquet floor, which was officially retired in 1999, several seasons after it was moved from the original Garden upon its closure to the current arena.

“I’m not used to the applause”.

“Absolutely will”, Bryant said.

This is one of those rare venues for Bryant. To have a guy who has won five championships – who without question has been one of the harder workers in the league and the highest of high achievers – go out, you have a lot of respect for him and memories watching.

“But it’s been a cool experience”, Bass said.

“I can’t believe this is the last time I’m going to be here. I think it’s a attractive thing”.

Like Jordan, Bryant relished facing hostile crowds.

Kobe Bryant played on the Boston Celtics’ home court for the last time Wednesday.

It took awhile last night, but Bryant ultimately proved why.

“Timing. Reading situations. Tenacity with his teammates”, Bryant says.

“It’s been like that in every city, fortunately”, Bryant said. “So he just wants to try to get it under control as much as possible before he plays again”. The crowd chanted “Kobe!”

So which Finals matchup stands out more for Bryant?