Posted by Matt Moore

Before Kobe Bryant went 1-5 in "clutch time" last night (under 5 minutes, lead within 5) including two free throws, and before his Lakers lost to the lowly Kings at home, Bryant had himself another milestone in a career already filled with them.  He passed Hakeem Olajuwon for 8th on the All-Time Scoring List.  Here's how he did it. 





So that's pretty neat for him.  It's not every day you get to pass a legend like Olajuwon. Olajuwon is the kind of player you want to tell your kids about. We haven't seen a center like him in 12 years, a center with lightning quick footwork, perfect precision, and an array of offensive moves to make you dizzy. Sure, Shaq could just muscle you out of the way with his hind quarters, but Olajuwon was something else entirely. But don't take my words for it. Here's what Mamba had to say after the game. 

"In my opinion, he's the best post player ever," Bryant said. "With all due respect to [Kevin] McHale, Hakeem was phenomenal."

via Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant passes Hakeem Olajuwon for 8th on NBA all-time scoring list - ESPN Los Angeles.

Hakeem, humble, considerate guy that he is (he was not earlier in his career, but his deepening of his ties to Islam seemed to impact him significantly) offered to talk to Lakers.com about what Bryant, and his status in the game: 

People always compare Kobe with Michael Jordan, and that’s the highest level of achievement right there. Even being mentioned with MJ is the ultimate compliment. When Jordan retired, you just thought a player like that wouldn’t come along again. But then Kobe almost immediately drew those comparisons, and that says it all. He established his own identity as one of the best players to ever play the game.

via LAKERS: Hakeem Olajuwon on Kobe.

Pretty hefty praise from one of the all time greats, and on point too. 

Bryant and the Lakers face off against the Celtics on Sunday.