When Kobe Bryant made a free throw with 3:21 remaining in the first half tonight, he reached 23,000 points for his career. He hit the milestone faster than any other player in NBA history at 30 years, 171 days. Wilt Chamberlain did it in 30 years, 176 days.

Bryant jumped to the NBA from Lower Merion (Pa.) HIgh School. Chamberlain made two stops before leaping from Overbrook HIgh in Philadelphia to the NBA. He went to Kansas and also played with the Harlem Globetrotters before joining the league.

Oh by the way, Bryant had 34 points on 13-for-26 shooting at and the Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 105-98. Pau Gasol added 22 points and 14 rebounds and Lamar Odom had 12 points and a season-high 18 rebounds.

“You know, it’s always fun,” Bryant said of reaching his milestone. “Whenever you talk about the history of the game, it’s always a tremendous honor.”