KEY POINTS:
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to score 20,000 career points when he gained 39 points in the Lakers' 95-90 road win over the New York Knicks.
Now with 20,019 points, Bryant reached the milestone at age 29 years, 122 days, surpassing NBA greats Wilt Chamberlain (29 years, 134 days) and Michael Jordan (29 years, 326 days).
He reached 20,000 points on a three-pointer with 11:08 left in the third quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden.
"It is special to do it here, the culture of basketball here, it is the Mecca, it is special to play in Madison Square Garden," Bryant said after connecting on 14 of 28 field goal attempts, including five of 12 three-pointers. He also had 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Bryant is the 31st NBA player to score 20,000 points, achieving the honour in 811 games, 15th fastest.
Chamberlain needed only 499 games.
Bryant was already youngest to score 10,000 through 19,000 career points. He achieved 17,000, 18,000 and 19,000 points last season.
- REUTERS
