Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant set the NBA record for missed field-goal attempts during their 107-102 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Bryant set the mark at the 6:22 mark of the final period when he missed a 14-foot fadeaway jumper, which was his 13,418th missed attempt - one more than the previous record set by Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek.
The 36-year-old superstar, who ended up with 28 points on 10-for-26 shooting from the field, finished the game with a total of 13,421 misses. When asked about the record, Bryant shrugged it down, pointing out that he is a shooting guard, who has played in the league for 19 seasons.
"I don't care about it, to be honest with you," Bryant said via ESPN Los Angeles. "It is what it is. I remember when I was a kid and I watched Michael shoot 49 times in an NBA Finals game. Can you imagine if I did that and lost? Puts things in perspective."
Lakers coach Byron Scott also declined to talk about the record, insisting that there is no reason to discuss it because Bryant is one of the best scorers in the league, and it is normal for him to take a lot of shots.
"It's almost damned if you do, damned if you don't. The games that he don't take shots, people ask why didn't he take more shots," Scott stressed. "He can't win neither way, which is unbelievable to me for a guy who gives it everything he's got every single time he's on the floor."
Meanwhile, Lakers shooting guard Wayne Ellington was given an indefinite leave of absence to be with his family after his father, Wayne Sr. was shot to death in Philadelphia on Sunday night.
Reports indicated that Ellington's father was shot dead inside his car at an intersection in Philadelphia. Investigators have yet to find any motive or suspect at this point.
"My family and I are devastated by the news of my father's murder on Sunday night in Philadelphia," Ellington said. "We appreciate everyone's support and ask that you respect the privacy of our family during this very difficult time."
