Kobe Bryant: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

On this date: Kobe Bryant delivers 81-point masterpiece

On this date, January 22, in 2006, Kobe Bryant gave us one of the greatest performances in NBA history. Kobe delivered an 81-point masterpiece, which is the second most points scored in a game behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points.

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Exclusive: Jalen Rose sounds off on Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game – ‘GOAT status’

20 years to the day, Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game vs the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006, remains one of the most iconic performances in NBA history. Those 81 points are the second-most scored in a single NBA game of all-time, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point masterpiece (March 2, 1962 against the New York Knicks).

NBA News / EssentiallySports / January 21

'12 Strokes, Six Heart Attacks' – Kobe Bryant’s Ex-Teammate Made Shocking Health Revelation During Arrest

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Las Vegas over the weekend, as per authorities on Tuesday. He was pulled over on Saturday on Interstate 15 near the Harry Reid International Airport.

Los Angeles Lakers News / The SportsRush / January 20

Lakers Honored Kobe Bryant and Gigi By Winning the 2020 NBA Title: Danny Green

NBA championships have always been the standard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately, the team hasn’t experienced that level in the past few years.

New York Knicks News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Active NBA 20-point game leaders' quiz

How many of the active NBA players to score 20 points in at least 200 games in their career can you name in seven minutes?

The 'Active 20-point, 10-assist NBA games' quiz

The 'Active NBA players with the most 40-point games in a season' quiz

The 'NBA's No. 1 picks turned RoY' quiz

NBA News / Total Pro Sports / January 19

Tim Duncan’s Leadership Style Gets a Deeper Look That Fans Rarely Ever See

When fans talk about leadership in the NBA circle, the conversation usually favours just a couple of A-listers. It’s either Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and a few more, but never Tim Duncan.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 players with the most successful post-NBA careers

Most NBA players, no matter how successful, are out of the league before the end of their 30s, or even their 20s. That leaves a lot of life left to live, and a good handful of players have made the most of their professional lives after leaving the court.

Los Angeles Clippers News / The SportsRush / January 19

There’s No Comparison Between Kobe Bryant and Kawhi Leonard: Danny Green

Kawhi Leonard’s legacy remains one of the NBA’s most controversial topics. Although he has an impressive catalogue of achievements, his various injuries create a grey area in his standing among the greats.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Hardwood Heroics / January 19

'Got Our Butts Kicked for Three Quarters': JJ Redick Reflects on Bittersweet 41-Point Night One Day Before Kobe Bryant’s Historic 81

January 21-22, 2006 delivered two unforgettable performances separated by 24 hours. One became college hoops lore because of JJ Redick’s record-breaking performance.

Los Angeles Lakers News / The SportsRush / January 19

JJ Redick Reflects on Best Duke Performance One Day Before Kobe Bryant Dropped 81 Points

JJ Redick was one of the best pure scorers in college basketball history. During his time at Duke, he shattered school scoring records and won National Player of the Year honors in the 2005–06 season.

NBA News / EssentiallySports / January 18

Kobe Bryant’s Ex-Teammate Arrested Over DUI Charges

14 NBA seasons with four teams, including two championships alongside Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. The basketball side of Lamar Odom’s story was gold; life off the court hasn’t been so smooth.

NBA News / Total Pro Sports / January 17

Shaq Shares Wild Story About Meeting 13-Year-Old Kobe Bryant

NBA history is full of legendary moments, but some of the most fascinating stories happen long before the spotlight turns on. One such moment came recently when Shaquille O’Neal shared an unforgettable story about meeting a 13-year-old Kobe Bryant, years before Bryant became one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

Los Angeles Lakers News / HITC / January 16

NBA scout blames Kobe Bryant fans for LeBron James’ lack of popularity on LA Lakers

An NBA scout has suggested that Kobe Bryant’s enduring popularity is why LeBron James still isn’t fully embraced by Los Angeles Lakers fans — even as he continues to defy expectations at 41.

Ahead of the Curve: Terrell Owens on 'The Mamba Mentality,' Breaking the Internet, and Being a Trailblazer

Terrell Owens has always been more than just a wide receiver; he is a cultural phenomenon whose impact on the game can still be felt in every end-zone

NBA News / EssentiallySports / January 14

NBA Champion Says Kobe Bryant Was Never 'Disrespectful' Amid Luka Doncic’s Harsh Dennis Schroder Remark

There is a fine line between trash-talking and being disrespectful. And somehow, Luka Doncic happened to have overlooked that difference against Dennis Schroder on Dec 28.

NBA News / Scoop B / January 14

Mamba Mentality Forever: Terrell Owens Reflects on Kobe Bryant’s Lasting Legacy

A decade has passed since the world watched Kobe Bryant walk off the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) floor for the final time. While his tragic passing in 2020 left a void in the sports world, the “Mamba Mentality” has only intensified.

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The 'Last 100-catch season by team' quiz

The '2025 NFL first-team All-Pro' quiz

The 'Last three-passing-TD playoff game' quiz

The 'NFL playoff rushing-TD record' quiz

NBA News / NBA on ClutchPoints / January 12

Nike bringing back Kobe Bryant’s 2004 All-Star sneakers

Long before NBA legend Kobe Bryant started his own iconic signature sneaker line with Nike, he wore several other silhouettes alongside a short stint with Adidas before joining the Swoosh.

Minnesota Timberwolves News / EssentiallySports / January 9

Anthony Edwards Reveals Major Change After Reaching 10K Points Faster Than Kobe Bryant

With Michael Jordan playing fairy godfather, it didn’t take long for Anthony Edwards to etch his name in NBA history. On the way to a 131-122 win against the Cavaliers, Antman joined Kobe Bryant in a club that only few NBA players reach this soon.

Orlando Magic News / HITC / January 7

How close Magic Johnson came to joining Shaquille O’Neal – Kobe Bryant LA Lakers in 1996

Magic Johnson had the opportunity to play with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal on the LA Lakers. Few “what if” scenarios in NBA history are as fascinating as the one involving Magic Johnson’s 1996 comeback and the start of the Kobe Bryant–Shaquille O’Neal era in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Clippers News / Yardbarker / January 2

Clippers' Kawhi Leonard matches Kobe Bryant with historic stretch

Leonard's recent scoring tear has accomplished far more than just putting the Los Angeles Clippers back in the hunt.

Kawhi Leonard pours in 45 as streaking Clippers dump Jazz

Kawhi Leonard's career-best performance extends Clippers' win streak

The 25 most notable NBA first-round draft mistakes

The 'Active NBA PPG leaders' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / January 2

Vanessa Bryant Thanks Taylor Swift For Wearing Kobe Bryant Mamba Sweater In Docuseries

The legacy of the late, great Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant continues to shine well beyond his tragic passing thanks in large part to his wife Vanessa Bryant and many stars who proudly represent what the legend was all about.

NBA News / Fadeaway World / December 28

Kobe Bryant Once Sucker Punched A Teammate For Not Paying His Dues

Stories about Kobe Bryant tend to orbit greatness, obsession, and edge. Occasionally, one cuts a little deeper and exposes how volatile that edge could be.

NBA News / Scoop B / December 27

The Storybook Finish: Why Kobe Bryant’s 2016 Final Act Was More Than a Championship in 2025

When I caught up with Kobe Bryant for Scoop B Radio in August 2017, the world was still buzzing from his legendary 60-point exit. In that conversation,

Los Angeles Lakers News / Sneakers on SI / December 23

Kobe Bryant's Nike Slides Get 3 New Lakers Colorways

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant built one of the most popular basketball shoe lines of all time with Nike. Not only are Nike Kobe sneakers still the gold standard for performance basketball shoes, but the signature line is rapidly expanding in all directions.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / December 20

Controversial Former Kobe Bryant-Era Lakers Coach Nominated for Basketball Hall of Fame

Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Mark D'Antoni has been nominated for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for the 2026 class. D'Antoni is a new candidate for the Hall of Fame, joining a long list of basketball's greatest teams, coaches and players that are eligible for induction.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Lakers Nation / December 14

Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal Championship Balls Sell In Auction

An iconic moment in Los Angeles Lakers history was Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal joining forces. Bryant, who was drafted out of high school in 1996, would grow into a dynamic pairing next to the most dominant center ever.

NBA News / Sneakers on SI / December 11

Kobe Bryant's Game-Worn Nike Kobe 6 'Grinch' Hit Auction Block

The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers faced the newly formed "Big Three" of the Miami Heat on Christmas Day 2010. To mark the occasion, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant debuted the Nike Kobe 6 "Grinch" colorway.