Faces of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant directs play during a Lakers practice at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Guards Kobe Bryant, left, and Derek Fisher watch the finals moments of the Lakers’ 93-81 loss to Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal playoff series last season.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who has a high threshold for pain, winces before coming out of a game against the Clippers last season at Staples Center.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, a nine-time selection to the NBA’s all-defensive first team, focuses his attention on 76ers guard Lou Williams during a game last season at Staples Center.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Kobe Bryant knocks the ball from Heat power forward Chris Bosh in the fourth quarter of their Christmas Day game at Staples Center two years ago, but the Lakers guard was called for a foul on the play.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant gets the attention of three Wizards defenders in the first quarter of a game two years ago at Staples Center.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Kobe Bryant puts on his game face as he warms up at Staples Center before taking on the Indiana Pacers.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant abandons his usual intense glare during a lighter moment in a game two years ago.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

All-Star guard Kobe Bryant hones his shot before a game.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Kobe Bryant moved into 10th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list after posting 17 points in the Lakers’ 108-83 win over the Detroit Pistons last season at Staples Center. He has since climbed to No. 5.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Kobe Bryant blows past Pacers center Roy Hibbert on a drive to the basket during a game at Staples Center.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks on during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats in January.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

With his protective mask slightly skewed, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant tries to get a referee to call a foul during a game against the Boston Celtics on March 11.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

With his protective mask off during a break, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant gets a massage from team physical therapist Julie Seto during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 29.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant waits for player introductions before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on Jan. 6  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Kobe Bryant adjusts his shorts after a turnover against the Chicago Bulls on Christmas Day at the Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

An injured Kobe Bryant stands near the bench with his wrist wrapped during an exhibition game against the Clippers on Dec. 21.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Clippers guard Chris Paul embrace before a Nov. 6, 2013, exhibition game at Staples Center.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)