Kobe Bryant poured in 81 points to record the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history. (Photo: Xinhua/Reuters)

    Beijing, Jan. 23 (Xinhuanet)-- Kobe Bryant scored an amazing 81 points Sunday night- the second-highest total in NBA history - and his Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 122-104.

    Bryant's 81 points demolished his previous career high of 62. 

    As Bryant closed in on 80 points during the fourth quarter, the crowd at the Staples Center jumped to their feet, erupting in applause with every basket.

    With the fans chanting "MVP! MVP!" Bryant made two free throws with 43.4 seconds remaining for his final points, putting him behind only Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list.

    Chamberlain scored 100 points for Philadelphia against the New York Knicks at Hershey, Pa., on March 2, 1962. His second-highest total was 78 against the Lakers in three overtimes on Dec. 8, 1961. 

    "I could never dream of this," Bryant told court-side reporters after the game.

    Only five players have scored more than 70 points in a game, Bryant, Chamberlain, David Robinson, Elgin Baylor and David Thompson. Enditem

    (Agencies)