Kobe Bryant once scored 63 points ... as an 8-year-old
Scoring has always been effortless for Kobe Bryant.
Perhaps nothing illustrates that more than a recent graphic from the NBA's Instagram account following Anthony Davis' 59-point performance. The graphic shows every current player who has scored 59 or more points in a game -- Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Davis. (Side note: It's amazing Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant aren't on this list yet).
The other three players have one such game. Bryant has five. Though he technically has at least six if you want to count his output in youth leagues.
In an interview on HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," Bryant claimed that he once scored 63 points in a game ... as an 8-year-old. Wait. What?!
Check out the clip below:
Bryant's secret? He knew most 8-year-olds couldn't dribble with their left hand, so he'd aggressively attack their right hand, force them to cross over, and then once the ball was in the less-coordinated hand, swipe it and take it downcourt for a layup. It's a simple idea that takes basketball IQ, confidence and discipline to execute, and Bryant clearly had all three at a young age.
While scoring that many points in a game before your 10th birthday is impressive, Bryant's 60-plus explosions later in his career -- against NBA competition -- have to be considered the more incredible feat. There is no confirmation of this performance -- just Bryant's recounting -- but it certainly adds to his growing legend as a child prodigy.
Bryant's episode of "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" aired on Feb. 23.
Jovan Buha covers the NBA for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @jovanbuha.
