Is it possible for a basketballer to struggle to get 41 points?

That was the case last night at the Staples Center when Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant continued on his phenominal run with his ninth consecutive game with 40 or more points, tying Michael Jordan's streak during the 1986-87 season and now sits only five more games behind Wilt Chamberlain's all-time record of 14.

Bryant scored 16 points in the third quarter, hitting on six of eight attempts.  Earlier in the season Bryant made a league record 12 three point shots, but in this one he hit only one, and things certainly were not as open for him this time around.

Bryant sat on 39 points from the 5 minute mark of the fourth quarter until 23 seconds remained in the game, missing five consecutive shots before earning a trip to the free throw line to put him over the magical mark.

I took us out of our system, but that's such a tough challenge to back down from," Bryant said. "I have to apologize to my teammates. It was tough because of the challenge ahead of me."

"These five guys wanted to stop me from scoring a single basket. I'm willing to take my odds on that."

Ray Allen starred in his debut role for the Sonics, coming one assist shy of a triple double while finishing with 26 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists.

Bryant will have an opportunity to tie Chamberlain's record if he can score 40 or more points against the Clippers, Pistons, Sonics, Pacers and Timberwolves.  If he can manage to do this he will then have a chance at surpassing Chamberlain against Philadelphia on March 9.  The game is scheduled to be televised on ABC.