Kobe Bryant is closing in on surpassing Michael Jordan at third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, but the Los Angeles Lakers star claims he is not motivated by records.
Former coach Phil Jackson led the Chicago Bulls and Jordan through both ‘three-peat’ successes in the 90s and the Lakers to five titles, including another ‘three-peat’, with Bryant.
Jackson has previously claimed that Bryant has been driven throughout his career to surpass Jordan but the Lakers talisman insists that is not the case.
“I only think about it when I’m asked about it,” Bryant told the Los Angeles Time.
“People who say that don’t really understand me.
“It’s a myth. Phil likes to say things a lot of times to create good content and create good stories.”
Bryant has managed 32,230 points through the course of his NBA career and needs just 63 to move ahead of Jordan, who won six NBA Championship crowns to Bryant’s five.
The 36-year-old shooting guard is unlikely to rise any higher on the all-time scoring list however as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 38,387 and Karl Malone with 36,928 are unrealistic targets, given Bryant’s age and struggles with injuries in recent years.
Bryant managed just six appearances for the Lakers last season but he has seen more action this term, although he has stressed he will retire at the end of the next campaign after spending his entire career with the Lakers.
The Lakers, who are seeking to snap a three game losing streak, host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
Championship hopefuls Cleveland Cavaliers are also in action on Tuesday as they host fellow contenders Toronto Raptors and the Cavs are available at 1.92 with a -6 handicap, while the Raptors (+6) are priced at 1.98.
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