Bryant, who averaged 27.3 points on the season, needed 27 points to cross the barrier in the Lakers’ Tuesday game against the Atlanta Hawks. He finished the night with 28 points and talked about the experience of hitting such a historical number in front of a pro-Lakers crowd, as ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Baxter Holmes noted.
MORE: Welcome back, Swaggy P | Remembering Malice in the Palace | NBA cheerleaders photos
“Well, it means a lot,” Bryant said. “I can’t stress how much work it is just to be in this position, to be able to get out there and play. It’s a lot of work, man. And over 19 years, that’s really where I take enjoyment from it, is the process. It’s a lot of work over 19 years. It feels good to be able to have that accomplishment.”
Bryant has a long way before he can catch Abdul-Jabbar and Malone, but Jordan is within striking distance. If he remains healthy, Bryant will pass Jordan before the end of his 19th season. That shouldn’t be too hard considering Bryant’s approach thus far this season. Bryant has been ultra aggressive on offense, taking more shot attempts than any other player in the league for the 2-9 Lakers.
Because of this approach, Bryant was asked if he was gunning for Jordan on the all-time scoring list after his team’s 114-109 win over the Hawks.
“There’s always something,” Bryant said. “Especially with me. First it’s, I can’t come back and play. Now I’m playing and now it’s, well, I’m not playing well enough. Well, you just said that I’d be in a wheelchair and I wouldn’t be able to play at all. So there’s always something. I don’t even waste my time trying to shut people up.”
