The NBA's scoring title was expected to come down to the final day of the season. If Kobe Bryant scored 38 points in the Lakers' season finale against the Sacramento Kings, he would overtake Kevin Durant atop the list. However, with the Lakers having already clinched the No. 3 seed and the Pacific Division crown, the Lakers have elected to rest Bryant for the playoffs.
Kobe Bryant Will Not Play Vs. Kings, Cedes Scoring Title To Kevin Durant
Via Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick.
Lakers coach Mike Brown says Kobe Bryant will not play tonight in Sacramento. Kevin Durant will win his 3rd straight scoring title.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 26, 2012
Durant and the Thunder finished their season on Wednesday, with Durant averaging an even 28 points per game. Bryant will finish at 27.9 points per game.
Durant becomes the sixth player in NBA history to win the scoring title three years in a row. He is the youngest of the six to accomplish that feat. Only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain have won the scoring title four years in a row.
For more on the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Thunder, visit Welcome to Loud City and SB Nation Kansas City.
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