The agenda was telegraphed in Kobe Bryant’s eyes, which were fixed in a cold stare Monday night, and in a taut expression that varied between hyper-serious and hyper-focused. There were no mischievous grins, the sort that Bryant often flashes between basketball magic tricks, no outward sign that he was enjoying his own history-making night at Madison Square Garden.

The 1,000-watt smile only came later, 45 minutes after Bryant had wrapped up a record-breaking 61-point gem that sent the Knicks into a funk and moved the crowd to a delirious standing ovation.

The night ended with a 126-117 victory by the Los Angeles Lakers, and with Bryant joining two legends in Garden lore. He passed Michael Jordan for the most points scored by an opponent at the current Garden, and passed Bernard King, the former Knicks great, for the most points scored by anyone there.

The 19,763 in attendance roared in appreciation. The Knicks simply acknowledged the virtuoso performance, seeming grateful it was over.