With his 24th point, coming on a long jumper with just more than five minutes left in the second quarter, Kobe Bryant passed his former teammate and noted rival Shaquille O'Neal for fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Kobe Bean was absolutely on fire and in vintage form, scoring without mercy. He said before the game that it would be special to do it in his hometown of Philadelphia, and it was a special performance.
Kobe Bryant Passes Shaquille O’Neal On NBA’s All-Time Scoring List
Kobe Bryant hit a long jumper to pass Shaquille O’Neal on the all-time scoring list in the second quarter of the Lakers game against the 76ers.
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Once the first quarter got rolling, there was little doubt he’d pass Shaq in the first half, let alone in the game. He was 8 of 11 from the field and 5 of 6 from three-pointers after the clinching shot, and he was working as hard as he has all season on both ends to get there. He now has 28,598 points in his illustrious career.
Bryant’s next target on the NBA’s all-time scoring list is Wilt Chamberlain, who ranks fourth with 31,419 points. Michael Jordan is third with 32,292, Karl Malone is second with 36,928 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is first with 38,387.
The Lakers were leading the Philadelphia 76ers 40-35 in the second quarter after Bryant hit his big shot.
Update: Bryant finished the game with a game-high 28 points, but it was not enough for the win as the 76ers pulled away in the second half to win 95-90.
For more on Bryant and the Lakers visit Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For news on the Sixers, visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly.
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