In the process, Bryant moved into sixth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing the legendary Moses Malone.
With 2:05 remaining in the second quarter, the Black Mamba hit three free throws in a row, effectively squashing Malone's total and further setting his place in NBA history.
Malone, a once-in-a-generation rebounder and a guy whose scoring was also out of this world at times, did the deed in 21 seasons in the association. Amazingly, Bryant was able to put up better scoring numbers in just his 15th year.
Bryant's 25.3 career scoring average is significantly better than Moses' 20.6, a truthful attribute to the scoring ability that he possesses.
When all is said and done, Kobe will likely grace the top three on the scoring list.
Next up is his ex-best friend Shaquille O'Neal, who has 28,590 career points. That number will likely be attainable for Bryant, who at the moment sports a 27,423 career total.
Bryant has seemingly not hit a decline yet, and this season is averaging a solid 25.1 points per contest. If he averages those current numbers, it means he will surpass the Diesel sometime next winter.
Did I mention that he is only 32 years old at this moment?
To be honest, Bryant has at least five or six more seasons in him, and I can see him possibly surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's astounding record of 38,387 points.
Assume Kobe is on his current pace of 25.1 points per game. Using that average, after this season he will have a total of 27,875 points.
Ever since he came into the league in 1996, Kobe has played in an average of 73 games every season. At the same time, let's assume his knees take a little toll on ol' Kobe and he ave...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
