Lakers, Kobe Bryant little hype for 76ers game

On the ride in from the airport in a taxi Wednesday afternoon, the cab driver naturally asked what was going on at the Wachovia Center.

He was told that the Lakers and Kobe Bryant were in town to play the Philadelphia 76ers.

The taxi driver said he was unware of the game.

"There was no hype,'' he said.  "And Kobe is coming home, too.''

Indeed, Bryant attended Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pa., about a half-hour drive from Philadelphia.

And it was true. There seemed to be little hype about his return home and today's game.

Then again, the 76ers are just 8-10 and this town still is all about the Eagles.

-- Broderick Turner

Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks to drive against the Toronto Raptors last Sunday at Staples Center. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times.