Will Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo Face Hostility From Los Angeles Lakers Fans?

It's been seven months and 23 days since Bam Adebayo scored 83 points, the second-highest scoring performance recorded in NBA history, but it might not sit well as the Miami Heat begin a five-game West Coast road trip.

The journey starts against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, formerly and famously known as Staples Center. It's been home to several basketball legends and Hall of Famers, including the late Kobe Bryant. He was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defense, two-time scoring champion, five-time NBA Champion, two-time Finals MVP, and a member of the 75th-anniversary team.

Among all the accolades, Bryant scored what used to be the second-most points in a single game on Jan. 22, 2026. He reached 81 on 60.9 percent shooting (28-of-46), including seven of 13 three-pointers made. At that point, nobody in the NBA had seen such an offensive performance.

Bryant is one of the most respected figures, dead or alive, in league history. He is still a fan favorite, which is why Adebayo's 83-point performance is frowned upon. Even analysts believe he shouldn't have surpassed Bryant.

However, Adebayo saw an opportunity to forever be engraved in league history and took it unapologetically. The main area where fans grow weary of the 83-point performance is the number of free throws taken to reach it. Adebayo made 36 of 43 shots at the line, both new record highs for a single game.

Some would say it was disrespectful to basketball itself.

As the saying goes, "Records are meant to be broken."

If Bryant had enough time in regulation to score over 100 points and surpass Wilt Chamberlain for the record, given the competitive reputation, he would surely do it without any hesitation.  The famous Mamba Mentality revolved around being the best. Bryant strived for greatness and that involves breaking records.

Adebayo has stated multiple times, even before scoring 83 points, of growing up as a Bryant fan. However, that reason won't stop Laker fans from booing him, which is likely to happen on Monday night throughout the matchup. Adebayo's production has picked up, following a slow start to the season, averaging 25.5 points on 63.3 percent shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals over the last two games against the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers – both wins.

Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on WPLG Local 10. 

It's the first meeting between the Heat and Lakers since the record-setting night.

More Miami Heat News:

- "Miami Heat Enhance Dwyane Wade's Statue Two Years Since the Unveil"

- "Bam Adebayo: 'I Never Wanted to be Captain'"

- "Miami Heat's First Season Win Comes on Adebayo's Record-Breaking Night"