The Lakers star came into the game against the Timberwolves with 32,284 points, trailing Jordan by just eight.
The moment came with 5:24 left in the second quarter. Bryant had tried to pass Jordan the play before with a baseline fadeaway but it bounced out. Instead, Bryant had to settle for free throws as he drove to the hoop after getting fouled.
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Minnesota stopped the game and Bryant was mobbed by his teammates. The Timberwolves presented him with the game ball in a touching display after which the game continued on.
Meanwhile, Nike unveiled a new shoe to commemorate the moment.
Bryant finished with 26 points in total and is now behind just Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.
