Kobe Bryant fans are going through a ripple of emotions as Lakers star and Bryant’s former teammate D’Angelo Russell just made the fans proud with his latest achievement. In Monday night’s 136-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Russell recorded 27 points and tied the single-season franchise record for 3-pointers made. While he started the day at No.3 on the list, Russell surpassed the Black Mamba’s 180 threes mark, which was set in the 2005-06 season, on his way to the top of the list alongside Nick Van Exel. 

And if there’s anyone happier and more satisfied than the player himself, it’s the fans. Taking to social media, netizens have expressed their happiness and reminisced about the Lakers legend. Sharing an old photo of the Lakers duo on X, one fan wrote, “D’Angelo Russell has passed Kobe Bryant & is now 2nd all-time in Lakers franchise history for threes in a season with 181 threes. Kobe would be so proud of his rookie. #LakeShow.” The impact is quite visible on social media.

Apart from Russell’s jaw-dropping display, it was, all in all, a perfect game for the Purple and Gold. Apart from Russell’s 27 points, LeBron James contributed 25 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds, and Anthony Davis, who was previously sidelined for his eye injury, also made a powerful comeback with 22 points and 15 rebounds alongside. But it was D-Lo’s night.

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With this, the Lakers ended their two-game losing streak as they got their 13th victory in 20 games since their defeat in Atlanta at the end of January. Fans continued to express their emotions on social media as they witnessed their legend’s expectations for the future coming true.

D’Angelo Russell’s record-breaking feat sees heartfelt congratulatory messages from fans

Russell’s first year in the league also turned out to be Kobe’s last. While the team was full of young stars who would go on to make a name for themselves like D-Lo and Julius Randle, the Lakers finished last in the West with a 17-65 record. However, the teachings they got from the Black Mamba that year are something all of them hold dear. One fan got emotional to see Russell continuing the legacy Bryant created and wrote, “D’Lo being the baby Laker to pass Kobe on an all-time list means something to me.” 

Another stated how proud Russell’s latest feat would have made Kobe. The comment read, “If Kobe was still alive he would be proud of dlo.”

Another X user detailed a unique story. While we are not certain how much truth there is in the story, it seems plausible. The comment read, “D’Angelo Russell on what Kobe Bryant‘s advice to him was a rookie: “Create new headlines.”

One fan wrote, “Curious the attempts for both players.” Interestingly, Russell had almost 100 fewer attempts than Bryant to reach the same milestone. In 2005-06, Bryant made 180 out of his 518 attempts, shooting 34% from deep. On the other hand, Russell now has 183 threes on 432 attempts, shooting at a great 42%. While Russell will surely go way past the Lakers record, it’ll be interesting to see if he can surpass his personal best of 234 threes he set in the 2018-19 season during his time with the Brooklyn Nets.

What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments section below.

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