Kobe Bryant On 2010 Tour of China

East Coast animosity for Kobe Bryant seems to know no bounds. Even 190 miles east of Boston, in a New York City restaurant, he still faces jeers from Celtics fans.

From the New York Post:

Kobe Bryant was razzed by a bunch of rowdy NBA fans while dining with his wife and two daughters at Serafina at 61st and Madison on Friday night. As the Lakers star and his family were making their way to their seats, some people chanted, "Celtics! Celtics!" and "Go Boston," reports a spy, who added, "Kobe was a very good sport about it, smiled at the group and shrugged."

Celtics supporters have never liked Kobe, for obvious reasons, but the Lakers' recent championship over Boston makes the wound even deeper -- we're talking "Evil Dead 2"-level pain. Personally I'm surprised they left it at jeers and didn't resort to "Celtics Pride"-like kidnapping tactics.

Now THAT would have been a story.

Speaking of a good story, it'll be interesting to see how Kobe reacts to the jeers when the Lakers meet the Celtics on Jan. 30.

I predict a 40-point blood bath.

To reach editor Patrick Crawley, click here.