Lakers Defeat the Warriors without Kobe

The Los Angeles Lakers (9-19), who have relied heavily on Kobe Bryant this season, did not need their star player to defeat one of the hottest teams in the league. On Tuesday night's game, the Lakers shocked everyone as they dominated the Golden State Warriors, winning 115 to 105 while Bryant took the night off.

"They kicked our ass," Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated. The Warriors are 23-4 so far this season. Prior to the game, Kerr noted, "We know we can't let our guard down just because Kobe is out. In many ways, it becomes a more dangerous game. We've got to be ready. They're going to play well."

Without Bryant, the Lakers amassed a season-high 28 assists and tied their season high of 12 3-pointers. At one point, the Lakers were leading by 24 points. With the victory, several players have voiced their opinions about their style of play without Bryant.

"Some guys just played like Django Unchained -they were free tonight," Nick Young said via ESPN.com, "Pretty much going to have to tell Kobe to pass me the ball, pass us the ball. Tell him to take the backseat for a little bit. He can be Driving Miss Daisy and I can be Miss Daisy and drive."

Jeremy Lin, who finished the night with 11 points and five assists off the bench, added, reported by Lakers Nation, "We learned that we've got to definitely move the ball, make it quick, snappy, and put the defense in a lot of different positions, where they have to constantly rotate and kind of guess what we're doing."

"We can hoop. We just showed that we can hoop. We're a good team when we all come out together," Wayne Ellington, who started for Bryant, said.

Lakers coach Byron Scott stated that the team would try and let all guys play with one another as opposed to supporting one player. After Tuesday's game, Scott believes that the Bryant will feel less pressure to have to perform.

"Sometimes you've got to move your security blanket to the side and just go out and play. I think that's what we did tonight. And when he comes back, it shouldn't be any different," Scott said. "It takes a lot more pressure off of him, and it takes a lot more wear and tear off him, as well. It saves him more than anything, as well. It gives our guys confidence. We'll try to play the same way. Hopefully, we can."

According to Scott, Bryant will be starting the Christmas day game against the Chicago Bulls.