The Game says his 2005 album 'The Documentary' motivated Kobe

Rapper The Game apparently played a role in Kobe Bryant's historic 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006.

The Game - real name Jayceon Terrell Taylor - took to Instagram on Saturday to reminisce about a conversation he had with Bryant before the historic performance, during which the Los Angeles Lakers great cited his album "The Documentary" as motivation.

"This pic was taken before or at the game (in which Bryant) scored 81...'The Documentary' had been out a kool minute on this day," he wrote. "When he seen me, he walked over...thanked me for the motivation and told me the whole album was all he listened to before games. That set the tone for 'Doctor's Advocate' and I'll forever be grateful for his contribution to the city."

"The Documentary" was released on Jan. 18, 2005, a year before Bryant's 81-point game.

Though some were skeptical of the story's legitimacy, Bryant provided confirmation on Twitter: