Here’s another statistic to add to the debate — Kobe Bryant has scored more points in his NBA career than Michael Jordan.
The Los Angeles Lakers star connected on two free throws in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves to give him 32,293 career points, passing the Chicago Bulls legend for third-most points in NBA history. Bryant now trails just Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928) on the all-time list.
Referees at the Target Center stopped the game after Bryant’s record-setting second free throw, as players and coaches from both sides congratulated the 36-year-old while the fans gave him a warm ovation. Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor also presented Bryant with a game ball.
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It’s fitting that Bryant broke Jordan’s record from the charity stripe. He entered the game having attempted 9,679 free throws in his 19-year NBA career, 907 more than Jordan and good for fifth-most of any player in NBA history.
“I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone,” Jordan said in a statement Sunday night, via The Associated Press. “He’s obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic and an equally strong passion for the game of basketball. I’ve enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”
That’s certainly diplomatic, but as for who’s the better player — Jordan won six NBA titles, while Bryant has won five — well, we’ll leave that up to you.
Thumbnail photo via Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports Images
