Successful sneaker lines with multiple brands. 18 All-Star appearances. Five NBA Championships. Two Finals and one NBA MVP. There wasn't much Kobe Bryant didn't accomplish in his career, but above all, the thing he may be best remembered for is his scoring.
In 2014, he even passed Michael Jordan to overtake the number-three spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list—an achievement that was 19 years in the making. His single biggest addition to that total came on a Sunday afternoon in Jan. 2006, when the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves locked in a tough game against the Toronto Raptors. Effectively carrying the team on his back, Bryant helped the Lakers erase an 18-point deficit by knocking down 28-of-46 shots en route to 81 points. That mark stands as the greatest of the modern era, and is only second to Wilt Chamberlain's 100 in 1962.
In honor of the anniversary of that legendary game, we're taking a look back at his best scoring performances, and remembering the sneakers he wore during each.
53 Points vs. Memphis Grizzlies
When: March 28, 2008
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 3
53 Points vs. Houston Rockets
When: March 30, 2007
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 2
53 Points vs. Houston Rockets
When: December 15, 2006
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 1
55 Points vs. Washington Wizards
When: March 28, 2003
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: Air Jordan 8 PE
56 Points vs. Memphis Grizzlies
When: January 14, 2002
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: adidas KOBE TWO
58 Points vs. Charlotte Bobcats
When: December 29, 2006
Where: Time Warner Cable Arena
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 1
60 Points vs. Utah Jazz
When: April 13, 2016
Where: STAPLES Center
Shoe: Nike Kobe 11
60 Points vs. Memphis Grizzlies
When: March 22 2007
Where: FedEx Forum
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 2
61 Points vs. New York Knicks
When: February 2, 2009
Where: Madison Square Garden
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 4
62 Points vs. Dallas Mavericks
When: December 20, 2005
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K5 PE
65 Points vs. Portland Trail Blazers
When: March 16, 2007
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 2
81 Points vs. Toronto Raptors
When: January 22, 2006
Where: Staples Center
Shoe: Nike Zoom Kobe 1