Kobe Bryant passes Michael Jordan in all-time NBA points scored

Kobe Bryant passes Michael Jordan in all-time NBA points scored
(Image credit: NBA/YouTube)

About halfway through the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, Kobe Bryant stepped up to the free-throw line and scored his 32,293rd point in an NBA game, pulling ahead of legendary basketball star Michael Jordan. Bryant is now the No. 3 NBA all-time scorer, behind Karl Malone (36,928) and reigning champ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387).

Jordan congratulated "Kobe on reaching this milestone." Bryant is "obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic and has an equally strong passion for the game of basketball," Jordan said in a statement. "I've enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next." The Timberwolves stopped the game to acknowledge the moment, too, and give Bryant the game ball and a rousing ovation.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.