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Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan in all-time NBA scoring as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 100-94 on Sunday. With the L.A. Lakers superstar needing nine points to surpass the Chicago Bulls legend, it took two free throws — courtesy of a Zach LaVine foul — to put the Lakers shooting guard into third spot on the all-time points leaders for the NBA. With it came an avalanche of tributes from Magic Johnson, Snoop Dog, LeBron James, Arsenio Hall and, fittingly, from Michael Jordan himself.
Kobe finished the game with 26 points, leaving him at 32,310 points for his career and, as SB nation point out, trailing only fellow Laker legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Utah Jazz stalwart and one-time Laker, Karl Malone (36,928).
When Kobe hit the milestone, a flood of tributes and accolades flowed in for Kobe Bean. As Slam tweeted out, MJ himself congratulated Kobe on topping him saying:
"I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone," Jordan said in the statement through AP. "He's obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic and has 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."
Michael Jordan Congratulates Kobe Bryant for Passing Him on Scoring List https://t.co/cr0D59UBHM pic.twitter.com/QbQr0fi4LK
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 15, 2014
As USA Today report, Bryant responded by saying: "He knows how much I've learned from him, from the other legends and him in particular."
The NBA also posted the free throw that took him past MJ:
With those two free throws, Kobe Bryant adds to his legend by becoming the third-highest scorer in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/f0rhADUk4j — Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 15, 2014
And, as ESPN report, the Minnesota Timberwolves paid tribute to Kobe by stopping the game, running a video tribute and having owner Glen Taylor present No. 24 with the game ball.
ICYMI: Kobe Bryant passes Michael Jordan for third on NBA's all-time scoring list. VIDEO: https://t.co/lEbamOAJcZ — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 15, 2014
Kobe also spoke quickly after the game, telling reporters "I'm just honored to be here, man, to still be playing," says ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
And the Lakers and Bryant's teammate even decorated the team plane in celebration:
The reactions to the milestone came from everywhere and across the cultural spectrum. Lakers legend Magic Johnson tweeted:
Just like we've never seen another player like Michael Jordan, we will never see another player like Kobe Bryant! — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 15, 2014
Congrats to @kobebryant on passing his idol Michael Jordan for 3rd on the NBA All-Time scoring list! — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 15, 2014
And here are some other reactions to Kobe's achievement: NFL Superbowl-winning Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson:
So happy for @kobebryant #Legend — Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 15, 2014
Cleveland Cavalier superstar and 2008 gold-winning Beijing Olympics compadre LeBron James:
Congrats Bean! @kobebryant #ThirdAllTime #LivingLegend
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 15, 2014
Hip-hop legend and Lakers fan, Snoop Dogg;
Congrats Kobe! — Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) December 15, 2014
Actor and late night host Arsenio Hall!
Congrats young hoop Jedi! @kobebryant
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) December 15, 2014
Fellow Staples Center tenant and L.A. Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford!
Salute to @kobebryant, one of the best we've ever seen. pic.twitter.com/HNkDFOhbww — Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) December 15, 2014
And Laker teammate Jeremy Lin also got in on the 'good job, Kobe' action:
Congrats @kobebryant on 3rd all-time!! And a great team win for 3 in a row! #kobegetsbuckets #purpleandgold
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) December 15, 2014
What do you think? It took Kobe four more seasons than MJ to hit this point, and he's still down one championship, with five to Jordan's six... But can Kobe overtake Kareem as the league's all time scoring leader? How will we think of him historically?
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