[WATCH] Kobe Bryant Passes Michael Jordan For 3rd All-Time On NBA Scoring List

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant needed just nine points Sunday, Dec. 14, to etch his name above Michael Jordan's on the NBA all-time scoring list. It took him less than two quarters.

Bryant tied and then passed Jordan with two free throws with 5:24 left before halftime while the Lakers were taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minnesota.

Pro-Timberwolves and pro-Jordan fans jeered from the crowd as Bryant warmed up on the line. Some people just don't like to see history surpassed, and all the Bryant vs. Jordan debate that raged this week couldn't have sat well with the purists.

But the Timberwolves themselves were more gracious hosts, stopping the game to congratulate Bryant individually after his record-setting free throws. Bryant now sits behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928) on the all-time list.

Bryant idolized Jordan growing up and became obsessed with surpassing his idol during his career, according to ESPN.

Jordan was happy for Bryant.

"I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone," Jordan said, according to USA Today. "He's obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic and has an equally strong passion for the game of basketball. I've enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next."

You're not the only one, MJ.

Bryant finished with 26 points and the Lakers topped the Wolves 100-94.

"I'm just honored to be here, man, to still be playing," Bryant told ESPN. "I appreciate being able to play this long. Careers normally don't last this long. I really appreciate the opportunity to still be out there playing and performing and doing what I do."

LeBron James, Magic Johnson and other NBA greats and celebrities expressed their congratulations for Bryant on Twitter after the 19-year veteran broke Jordan's record.