Kobe Bryant has finally done it, accomplishing the task of scoring more points than Michael Jordan. The two players played against each other many times, and have drawn comparisons over the years in a number of areas, while Bryant also considers Jordan one of his idols

Many basketball fans and commentators will cite Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time, but after tonight, he is listed as 4th on the NBA’s list of scoring leaders.

Of course, reaching this feat does not necessarily warrant anyone calling Kobe Bryant a better player than Michael Jordan, but it might bring it into the conversation. Bryant missed all but six games of the 2013-2014 season, or he would have certainly passed him last year, and as he gets older, some people are wondering whether he is ready to retire.

Kobe Bryant is now in third place after Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabar, but knowing how much he competed with Jordan over his career, it is likely that he will be satisfied with simply passing Jordan.

In addition to the reactions by many fans, he received recognition from Magic Johnson, an NBA legend, and Lebron James, who looked up to him as a kid.

Michael Jordan is proud of him on the accomplishment, and has already made a statement saying “I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone. He’s obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic and has an equally strong passion for the game of basketball. I’ve enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”

In order to move into third place on the NBA’s all-time list of scoring leaders, Bryant scored his 32,293rd point in the second quarter in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Bryant, now 36-years-old, came into Sunday night averaging 25.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

It is impressive when any new records are set in the NBA, but when someone such as Michael Jordan is passed in the process, people are going to take note. Kobe Bryant needed only 8 points to pass the Bulls legend when he entered the game, and made a couple of free throws to do it, to which he received a standing ovation.

The result of the Lakers game in Minnesota was 100-94 in favor of the Lakers, who are now on a 3-game winning streak as well, after an awful start to the season. What does this latest milestone mean for Kobe Bryant? Is he ready to retire after passing Jordan, or could he continue for more?

[Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons]