Nov. 8, 1996 18 years, 77 days
In the first three games of Kobe Bryant’s career the then 18-year-old had just just six points in 16 minutes. Though the Lakers lost to Toronto, 93-92, Bryant gave a glimpse into the scoring that would follow him through the next two decades.
Bryant scored double figures for the very first time, finishing with 10 points on a 3-of-8 clip that included a pair of 3-pointers in 17 minutes. Joining Bryant with 10 points off the bench was his future head coach, Byron Scott.
Despite 25 points apiece from Shaquille O’Neal (10 rebounds) and Eddie Jones (four steals), the Lakers came up just short against Toronto, which was led by a Damon Stoudamire triple-double (21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).
Despite the loss, Bryant would get the better of the Raptors from that point forward, winning the next six games of the series and averaging 27.7 points against them for his career.
Kobe performances on this day in history: