Notes on Kobe’s 61

TORONTO — Couple of statistical notes on Kobe Bryant’s 61-point outburst Monday against the New York Knicks, as unearthed by the Lakers’ crack media relations staff.

First, Bryant’s 20-for-20 shooting at the free throw line set a franchise record. Jerry West and Magic Johnson had shared the mark by going 18-for-18. West accomplished it twice. Dominique Wilkins holds the league record with a 23-for-23 effort in1992.

Second, Bryant broke a tie with Michael Jordan to move into sole possession of second place on the league’s all-time list with five 60-point games in his career. The immortal Wilt Chamberlain holds the record with an astounding 32 games with 60 or more points.

Third, Bryant was named the Western Conference’s player of the month for January after averaging 27.2 points, 7.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds in 16 games.