Kobe Bryant takes over as the league’s leading scorer

Kobe Bryant has emerged as the league’s leading scorer at 26.9 points per game.

The Lakers guard has put up the most efficient numbers of his career through nine games, shooting 53.1% from the field, 41% from three-point range and 91.8% from the line.

Bryant recently overtook Houston Rockets guard James Harden, who is a close second at 26.7 points. Harden isn’t nearly as accurate as Bryant, with percentages at 44.1%, 25.9% and 83.5%, respectively.

Others averaging 23 points a game or more include LeBron James (24.8), Kevin Durant (24.5), Kyrie Irving (24.3) and Carmelo Anthony (23.3).

If the Lakers do successfully increase their pace under Coach Mike D’Antoni, Bryant’s average could actually climb.

Over his career, Bryant has won the scoring title twice. Kevin Durant has led the league in scoring each of the last three seasons.

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You can email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.