Massive memorial to Kobe Bryant dismantled

Cleanup began before dawn

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The enormous makeshift memorial outside Staples Center is being dismantled.

Fans began creating the tributes to Kobe Bryant as soon they learned of his death on January 26. Monday, in the early morning hours, crews began clearing away the mounds of flowers, jerseys, stuffed toys, and other memorabilia. They'd boxed up more than 1,300 basketballs by mid-morning.

Some of the items will got to Bryant's widow and other family members. Flowers will be composted and spread around plants on the grounds of Staples Center.

In the days after Bryant's death, his family asked fans to donate to his foundation instead of adding to the memorials outside the arena.