The Lakers legend soaked up the atmosphere around him. The standing ovations turned louder. The gifts became grander. The praise soon seemed endless. Could this happen to Kobe Bryant, presuming he returns next season for what will mark the 20th year and possibly last of a storied NBA career? Bryant has insisted he will play out the final season of his contract worth $25 million; he's spent the past six weeks recovering from season-ending surgery to his right shoulder.