For Kobe Bryant, basketball was his escape. It was both his profession and his passion for the 20 years he played for the Lakers, but when Kobe wanted to get away from the challenges and pains life piles on everyone, he retreated to the basketball court and competed. Friday night, for the first time since Kobe died in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, the Lakers took the court and tried to use the game as their therapy.