Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game fell to the third-highest mark in NBA history as Bam Adebayo went for 83 on Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards. It was an unbelievable performance, but Lakers fans weren’t happy with how the Heat’s center did it. Bam took 43 free throws, stayed in the game late with the game decided, and Miami was fouling to get him more points.
Credit to Bam. He dropped 83, which is nearly impossible. Adebayo called Kobe his idol after the game and showed plenty of love to the Lakers' GOAT. It was an unbelievable night, but Lakers fans weren’t happy.
LA supporters couldn’t stay quiet on social media. As Bam was being showered with love by NBA Twitter, purple and gold fans were giving Bryant credit for doing it the right way.
Lakers fans were losing it over Bam Adebayo’s 83-point night
The Heat were up 16 entering the fourth and won by 21. Still, Bam played nearly 11 minutes in the final stanza and went to the free-throw line 16 times. Miami was feeding him the ball in a contest that was decided to try to pad his stats. It brought out plenty of thoughts from Lakers fans.
83 is 83 but that really felt gross to do it like that
— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) March 11, 2026
With Bam Adebayo breaking the GOAT’s record tonight
— Dashy™️🦥 (@Dashytwo) March 11, 2026
I present you an ethical way of getting 80+ points
81 points off 28-46 shooting (7-13 3PM) (18-20 FTM)
In a very tight game until the last couple minutes https://t.co/34VsyjlPlM pic.twitter.com/3JdV56oLao
Before the Lakers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, it was announced in the arena that Bam topped Kobe’s mark. Here is the reaction from fans in Los Angeles.
Lakers fans started BOOING when they learned Bam Adebayo scored 83-points to surpass Kobe’s 81
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) March 11, 2026
😭😭
pic.twitter.com/tF1y3L5Cqe
Bryant’s 81-point game was a true masterpiece. It was a close game until Kobe closed it out late. Fans can still catch the game every year on NBA TV, and it is impossible to turn off anytime it plays. Fans won’t be saying the same about Bam’s 83. He lived at the free throw line and did it against the rebuilding Wizards.
Bam Adebayo dropped 83 points. He deserves a ton of credit for that. It is the second-most points in a game in NBA history. Lakers fans were not happy, but they should tip their caps to a great performance.
Los Angeles has a new superstar guard leading their charge. Luka Doncic will never be Kobe, but number 77 is one of the five best players in the world right now. He gives LA a chance to win every night and had a 73-point game of his own when Doncic played for the Mavericks. Don’t be surprised to see Luka go off for another monster night wearing the purple and gold.
Kobe Bryant should be celebrated. He led the Lakers to five rings and was part of several memorable squads. The Lakers always put talent around him, and need to get back to that formula around Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers fans were upset with Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game that topped Kobe Bryant, but it went down as the second-highest scoring contest in NBA history. It took some suspicious activity. Sadly, that doesn’t matter. Kobe’s 81-point night will forever be a better watch. At least Lakers fans have that.