Fan reaction brings Kobe back into game late vs. Pelicans

There's no such thing as too much Kobe Bryant, as the legendary Los Angeles Lakers guard closes out his 20-year career over these final few games. There's only so many minutes the 37-year-old can play, but nonetheless, fans across the NBA will beg, scream, and howl at the top of their lungs to keep "The Black Mamba" on the floor as much as possible.

The reaction Bryant received Friday night at the Smoothie King Center against the New Orleans Pelicans was deafening. Even factoring in some of the incredible receptions he's had over the course of his unofficial farewell tour, the fans in The Big Easy are right there near the top in terms of sheer volume.

It was a hum-drum shooting performance for Bryant, as he converted just four of his 15 shot attempts for 14 points - all of which came in the opening 12 minutes. He also chipped in three rebounds and four assists as the Lakers dropped their fourth game in a row, 110-102 to the undermanned Pels.

Related: Pelicans show tribute for Kobe

Bryant wasn't originally supposed to see the floor in the fourth quarter, but the willpower of a sold-out crowd of 18,607 was enough to get three extra minutes out of his aching body.

After the game, the 18-time All-Star admitted it was the first time fan reaction had influenced him to get off the pine and check back in.

As every game passes, the realization sets in that Bryant will soon be gone for good. The Lakers' season finale at Staples Center goes down April 13 against the visiting Utah Jazz, which Nike has appropriately named "Mamba Day."

Bryant's not going to play 48 minutes, nor is he going to drop 50 points. He'll likely put up numbers similar to what he contributed against the Pelicans, which no one will make a peep about.

His reaction, though, will put what happened in New Orleans to shame - which is surreal to imagine.

Three games. Then poof.