Staples Center seats are empty four …

Staples Center seats are empty four hours before tipoff, save for the nearly 19,000 Lakers T-shirts draped over each chair — half with No. 24, half with No. 8. The house lights are down. At center court, one spotlight shines upon Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist Ben Hong, who, seated on a bench in a black shirt and pants, is rehearsing a beautiful rendition of “Hallelujah.” Directly over him on the video board, a tribute to Bryant plays. “Once upon a time, I was a young basketball player,” Bryant begins, his voice carrying through the arena backed by the music.