Kobe Bryant has outscored Michael Jordan—at least according to the NBA’s historical scoring records.
The Los Angeles Lakers icon surpassed His Airness, ascending to the third spot in all-time scoring, achieving his 32,293rd point in the second quarter of Sunday’s contest against Minnesota.
Following LA’s 100-94 victory, Bryant commented on the milestone via Serena Winters of Lakers Nation:
Bryant’s overtaking of Jordan had been anticipated for some time, though injuries presented hurdles. The 36-year-old All-Star was sidelined for nearly the entirety of the 2013-14 season, initially recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture and subsequently enduring a season-ending knee injury.
However, with his health restored for the first time in approximately two years, Bryant has defied expectations despite his Lakers struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. As he entered Sunday night, Bryant was averaging 25.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, statistics that could arguably be considered the best for any player of his age or nearing it.
These points, nonetheless, have not been without consequences. Bryant’s shooting percentage is at a career-low of 42.1 percent, his usage rate is projected to be among the highest in league history, and the Lakers have struggled due to a lack of top-tier talent on their roster.
The few uplifting moments for supporters at the Staples Center this season have primarily centered on Bryant’s pursuit of milestones. He has already established a new NBA record for the most missed field goals, exceeding Boston Celtics Hall of Famer John Havlicek’s 13,417 misses, but on a more celebratory note, he became the first player in history to accumulate 30,000 points and 6,000 assists.
While those accomplishments are significant, they are overshadowed by surpassing Jordan. Bryant and Jordan are eternally linked, as the former’s prominence coincided with the latter’s departure from the spotlight.
Magic Johnson articulated it effectively in this tweet congratulating Bryant:
Every aspect of their playing styles warranted comparison. From their height (both standing at 6’6″), their disposition (not always the most affable), and the striking parallels in their techniques—Jordan even jestingly remarked to reporters that Bryant “borrowed” his moves, a sentiment Bryant has acknowledged—discussions have persisted regarding the potential for Bryant to surpass his predecessor on the all-time lists.
“The aspect that consistently bothered me was the notion that I acquired everything I know from Michael,” Bryant shared with Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding this month. “That’s simply untrue. Hakeem Olajuwon deserves substantial credit; Jerry West deserves considerable credit. Oscar Robertson deserves considerable credit. I was truly a dedicated student of the game and observed everyone.”
The comparison between Jordan and Kobe will extend far beyond Bryant’s playing career, largely fueled by younger fans, but it is not a topic for immediate discussion. This is undoubtedly a remarkable event, a fulfilled objective for Bryant’s later years—even if he hesitates to acknowledge it.
“I am uncertain of his exact point total,” Bryant told Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. “It holds no significance for me.”
Bryant still needs to surpass two other legendary players, Karl Malone (36,928) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387). Whether he manages to surpass either of them hinges entirely on his health and his decision to continue playing beyond his current two-year contract, which concludes in 2016. Even if he maintains his current scoring pace, it would likely require at least two more years to pass Malone, and even longer to surpass Jabbar, who occupies a unique position.
Most likely, Jordan will be the final player Bryant overtakes on the scoring chart. Which, given our understanding of Bryant’s mindset, might align perfectly with his preferences.
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