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| Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers' shooting guard |
Kobe Bryant eclipsed
Michael Jordan on the National Basketball Association's all-time scoring list
on Sunday, surpassing the legendary scorer during the second quarter of the Los
Angeles Lakers' game at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Reuters reports Bryant entered the game
needing nine points to top the retired Jordan's mark of 32,292 points and move
into third on the all-time list.
He achieved the mark
with a pair of free throws midway through the second quarter, momentarily
stopping the game.
The Minnesota crowd
rose in appreciation and Bryant received congratulatory hugs from both teams
before being presented with the game ball.
"It's a huge
honour. It's been such a long journey," Bryant told reporters. "It's
gone by really fast; it feels great to be at this point."
Bryant finished the
night with 26 points to run his scoring total to 32,310 as the Lakers defeated
the Timberwolves 100-94.
Jordan, widely thought
of as the greatest players of all-time, has long been the standard by which
fellow shooting guard Bryant has been measured.
The former great
congratulated Bryant's accomplishment in a statement and has provided the
Lakers standout with mentorship over the years.
"I try to learn so
much from him in particular. He's been such a huge part of my success and
career in giving me advice," Bryant said. "The relationship has meant
everything to me."
The 36-year-old Bryant
has achieved his scoring in his 19th season and 1,269th game. Jordan's career
lasted 15 seasons and 1,072 games.
Bryant now trails only
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points) and Karl Malone (36,928) in career points.
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