Jan. 3, 1997
18 years, 133 days
Twenty-one points might be a mere blip in Kobe Bryant’s 20 year of Hall of Fame play, but on this night it was the highest-scoring effort in the then-teenager’s NBA career.
The 18-year-old came off the bench against Sacramento and shot 6-of-10 from the field and 9-of-10 at the foul line. His efficient offense tallied himself 21 points in 22 minutes, while Los Angeles sailed to a 100-93 victory.
Meantime, Elden Campbell racked up 22 points and 15 rebounds to help Bryant keep extend the purple and gold’s winning streak to five games.
Future Laker Mitch Richmond poured in 33 points for the Kings, but L.A.’s offense was on fire early, as it led by 19 at halftime, thanks largely to a 38-point second quarter.
Kobe performances on this day in history: