Kobe Bryant’s Former Teammate Has Bitter Memories of Iconic 81 Point Game: “I Can’t Stomach Watching…”

Published 02/25/2024, 7:30 AM EST

The Lakers recently paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant by immortalizing his iconic pose from the historic 81-point game with a statue. Bryant’s remarkable achievement in that game, second only to Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game, will forever remain iconic in NBA history. However, not all Lakers players who were part of that historic game hold fond memories. Former Lakers guard Smush Parker, in a recent interview with DJ Vlad, revealed his bitter feelings about that game.

Parker confessed that he couldn’t bring himself to watch the game due to the opportunities he missed out on during that significant moment for the Los Angeles Lakers. Parker who was in the game shared, “When I watched that game I can’t stomach watching that game because of all the shots I missed. I was the second leading scorer on that team with 13 but I should have ended the game with like 20, 22 points.”

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Despite the lingering bitterness, Parker expressed appreciation for the 5x champion’s leadership during the game. “Kobe got it going, he put us on his back…by the end of the night he had 81,” said Parker.

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The 18x NBA All-Star showed his exceptional skills and determination that will continue to inspire future generations. From Devin Booker to soccer player Trinity Rodman, Bryant’s legacy will continue to shine bright.

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Reminiscing Kobe Bryant’s iconic game

Shattering the records, this was truly an unforgettable game by Bryant to lead the Lakers to a win over the Toronto Raptors (122-104). Breaking Elgin Baylor’s 71-point franchise record, the 5x champion soared to claim the second-highest point total in a single NBA game. His brilliance was seen in the second half of the game where he had already amassed an astonishing 55 points. He made 7/13 three-pointers and 18/20 free throws just playing a total of 42 minutes in the game.

“Not even in my dreams, that was something that just happened. It’s tough to explain. It’s just one of those things,” said Bryant about his impressive feat.

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He also contributed with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Many voiced how Bryant might have gotten closer to the record that he couldn’t break, while some also believe that he might as well have broken Chamberlain’s record. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think he would have soared past 100 if he had been given the chance? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Written by:

Pritha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. After reporting on the luxurious lifestyle of celebrities for a year, she used that experience to cover the glamor side of the basketball world. She has expertly covered Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan's complicated love story and the lavish vacations of NBA superstars, among other off-court scoops.

Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth

Kobe Bryant’s Former Teammate Has Bitter Memories of Iconic 81 Point Game: “I Can’t Stomach Watching…”

Reminiscing Kobe Bryant’s iconic game

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