Kobe Bryant dropped 43 points on the Rockets Sunday, afternoon, and tied a record with a former Laker great according to the Associated Press.

It was his 23rd game of 40 or more points tying a Lakers single-season record set by Elgin Baylor in 1962-63.

"I never in my wildest dreams dreamed of being in such great company like Elgin and the other greats that have been here," Bryant said. "I've learned from a lot of greats, too, so I can't take credit for it."

His Lakers' teammates nevertheless give him credit for his 40-point sprees.

"That is crazy to think about, especially when you know every night that the other team's defense is focused on him," said the Lakers' Luke Walton, who had 10 points and six rebounds against the Rockets.

The Lakers' Lamar Odom said, "Today he could easily have gone for 50."

Bryant went to the bench with 3:51 remaining and the Lakers ahead 97-82.