The NBA is about a bucket. Always has been, and always will be. But, there is a hierarchy to it. While some players become good, or even great scorers, others, like a certain Mamba, reach its epitome. Whether inside or out, pull-up or catch-and-shoot, Kobe Bryant excelled at the art of scoring. Even though the NBA has seen thousands of players come through its ranks, only a select few get to join the best scorers’ conversation. While the list is subjective, Kobe’s place on it is objective.

Regardless of who you ask, Kobe Bryant belongs on the all-time great scoring list. And, as proof, the easiest example to point to is the 2006 masterclass. However, there is a lot about that game which remains a mystery. Answering some of them, was a 4-time NBA Champion, in his conversation with the winning-est coach of all-time.

Could Kobe Bryant have scored more?

In the 1990s and 2000s, Phil Jackson established himself as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. Surprisingly, apart from the ’60s Celtics, every single three-peat in NBA history saw Phil Jackson at the helm. Whether it was the two three-peats with Michael Jordan and the Bulls, or the one to begin the century with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe.

Further, he returned to the Lakers in 2008, resulting in 3 more runs to the NBA Finals, and a back-to-back to close out the decade. His opinion became so valuable that remains a trusted advisor for his ex-girlfriend, and current Lakers owner, Jeanie Buss.

While he placed immense trust in a young Bryant, he perhaps held his record back. Over his illustrious career, which included 5 championships, the Mamba?was most synonymous with his 81-point game. A remarkable feat in NBA history, the record remains intact to this day.

However, Kobe could have aimed higher. After all, the man had played a shade over 41 minutes when he scored his 81st point. Former 4-time Champion, John Salley, who went from rival to player for coach Phil, revealed the mindset behind subbing Bryant out at 81.

Speaking to Kevin Garnet, former Boston Celtic, and almost Kobe teammate, Salley revealed his interesting conversation with Jackson. ?Why didn?t you (Phil Jackson) let Kobe score 104?? He said “Some records shouldn?t be broke??.?While the game’s legend did not suffer one bit if there was one player capable, and worthy, of breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s 53-year-old record, it was the kid from Philadelphia.

On the episode, Garnett also made a shocking revelation about Bryant, and the time he almost teamed up with him and Jackson.

KG to the Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers were struggling as a franchise. While individually brilliant, the Lakers had suffered through three straight seasons of mediocrity. On a similar boat, was Minnesota Timberwolves defensive stalwart, Kevin Garnett.

Read More: Kevin Garnett, Who Was Once Pushed by Kobe Bryant?s Demise to Fix Severed Bonds, Revealed Shocking Mamba Desire in 2020

While he was brilliant himself, winning DPOY and MVP during his tenure, the former 5th overall pick looked at another player that went from high school to the Pros in his quest for a championship. The answer? Kobe Bryant.

But, as the Celtics legend revealed, Bean didn’t even pick up the phone. For him, winning on his own term was important. Further, he wanted to remove the label “carried” by a big man. As a result, the dream pairing never came to fruition.

However, it can remain in the history books as a What-If. Maybe the second most important What-If of the Mamba’s legendary career.

Watch This Story: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal 66 YO Buddy Reminisces “Surreal” Moment When The World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant