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'Embarrassed' Kobe Says He Isn't Chasing Wilt's 100

Jan 31, 2006 4:12 AM EST

Kobe Bryant feels a bit sheepish about his 81-point performance and says he is not caught up in a chase of Wilt Chamberlain's record of 100.

"I'm a little bit embarrassed, actually," Bryant told reporters Monday after the Los Angeles Lakers practiced for Tuesday's game against the New York Knicks.

"I think it's exciting for the game and the organization because of all the buzz, but personally it's a little embarrassing."

Bryant, who leads the NBA in scoring with a 35.9 average, said the bottom line for the Lakers (23-20) is winning.

"The concept is not about going out there and putting on a show or going out there and scoring points. It's to win games," he said. "Whatever it takes. You have to gauge the flow of the game and then decide when to pick your spot to take over.

"I'd much rather go out and score 25 points and get 10 assists and see everybody in a rhythm, everybody in a groove."

Bryant's 81 points Jan. 22 against the Toronto Raptors marked the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history behind only Chamberlain's 100-point night in 1962 for the Philadelphia Warriors against the Knicks.

Bryant said he was not pursuing the points record.

"I don't even think about it," he said of Chamberlain's record. "That's unthinkable. It was done once -- by Wilt, and I'm not Wilt."

Via ESPN

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'81' Becoming Kobe's Nickname

Jan 25, 2006 1:58 AM EST

Kobe Bryant practiced Tuesday for the first time since his astonishing performance against the Toronto Raptors, and was tagged with a new nickname.

"Just calling me 81," he said of his teammates.

Perhaps that should be Mr. 81.

Bryant said the reality of reaching that point total Sunday night in the Los Angeles Lakers' 122-104 victory over the Raptors still hadn't sunk in, and made it clear he didn't expect a repeat performance any time soon.

"It's just one of those things that doesn't seem real to me," he said. "It's just tough for it to sink in. I'm focused on the task that lies ahead for us.

"The way I'm playing of late, I don't think it's an indication of how we're going to be playing the rest of the season. We had a stretch earlier this season where I didn't have to score the ball like that for us to win. I look forward to going back to that."

Via AP

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McKie A Few Weeks From Return

Jan 23, 2006 11:35 AM EST

Laker guard Aaron McKie is still a couple of weeks from returning from a quadriceps tendon injury, Jackson said. McKie recently ran with other players during practice without being cleared by trainers, who promptly removed him from the court.

"We're looking at perhaps realistically some time in February," Jackson said.

Via L.A. Times

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Lakers Jan 2006 Archive

  • Eighty One!

    RealGM | Jan 23, 2006

    Kobe Bryant tonight showed the world that he is the world's most dominant player, scoring an amazing 81 points on the Toronto Raptors at the Staples Center. This was the second highest total in NBA history.

  • Kobe To Play For Team U.S.A.

    ESPN | Jan 20, 2006

    Kobe Bryant plans to play for the U.

  • Kobe Scores 51, Lakers Lose

    L.A. Times | Jan 20, 2006

    Arco Arena gleefully welcomed back one of its least favorite characters, Laker Coach Phil Jackson, and the home team carried it from there, beating the Lakers in overtime, 118-109, Thursday night.

  • Lakers Encouraged By Bynum's Performance

    L.A. Times | Jan 18, 2006

    Laker officials were privately encouraged to see Andrew Bynum hold his ground defensively against Shaquille O'Neal.

  • Russell's Advice Led To Shaq-Kobe Peace Offering

    ESPN | Jan 17, 2006

    Shaquille O'Neal got the word from Hall of Famer Bill Russell to make peace with Kobe Bryant, just as Russell once did with Wilt Chamberlain.

  • Turiaf Agrees To Sign With Lakers

    L.A. Times | Jan 13, 2006

    Ronny Turiaf has agreed in principle to sign with the Lakers and will join the team by Monday, his agent said.

  • Kobe Hits Go-Ahead Bucket In Lebron's Face

    Sports Illustrated | Jan 13, 2006

    The Kobe-LeBron matchup didn't quite go as hyped, with neither at the top of his game.

  • Medvedenko Likely Done For Season After Back Surgery

    ESPN | Jan 12, 2006

    Los Angeles Lakers forward Slava Medvedenko underwent surgery Thursday to repair a herniated disc in his lower back, and isn't expected to play again this season.

  • Blazers Hold Kobe To 41 In Win

    AP | Jan 12, 2006

    Portland coach Nate McMillan drew a heart on the play board in his pregame address and gave a passionate speech aimed at stopping the Trail Blazers' six-game skid in the face of Kobe Bryant's scoring spree.

  • Kobe Scores At Least 45 Again

    AP | Jan 10, 2006

    Kobe Bryant scored 45 points on Monday, making him the first player to score at least that many in four consecutive games since November 1964.

  • Kobe Burns Clippers For 50 In Comeback Win

    Sports Illustrated | Jan 8, 2006

    The time off must have done Kobe Bryant a lot of good.

  • Kobe Scores 48 In Return From Suspension

    ESPN | Jan 7, 2006

    Kobe Bryant had a perfect game beyond the arc to take over the NBA scoring lead after dropping 48 points on the Sixers

  • Indiana May Want Cap Relief

    NY Post | Jan 3, 2006

    Indiana may make a decision based on the luxury tax and salary cap relief in the impending trade of Ron Artest.

  • Odom Denies Report About Approaching Management

    PE.com | Jan 2, 2006

    A report on ESPN.