Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers 11/9/12: Video Highlights and Recap

The Los Angeles Lakers finally figured out how Mike Brown could provide a spark. They fired him on Friday and the team responded with a 101-77 dismantling of the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers had a four-game winning streak over the Warriors but got off to a bit of a rough start on Friday. They lacked rhythm early on, which was to be expected.

In a postgame interview, Kobe Bryant said it felt more like a pickup game. Given this was still their best game of the young season, that is perhaps the saddest commentary on Brown's tenure. 

Bryant led the charge on both ends of the court, but had some help from Pau Gasol (14 points, 16 rebounds).

Player of the Game: Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers

Bryant gets the nod here, and it wasn't even close. He was energized on Friday night and recognized his team needed a leader.

He shot early and often, dished the ball to his teammates (seven assists), secured rebounds (9) and hit more shots than he missed (10-of-18). He scored 27 points in 33 minutes.

About the only thing he didn't do was sweep up after the game.

Bryant didn't exactly look spry on the court, but he drove to the hoop and pulled up to shoot jump shots. He also had a pair of steals that he turned into fast-break points.

Up Next for the Warriors

Golden State (3-3) will return to the Oracle Arena to host the Denver Nuggets (3-3) on Saturday.

The Nuggets also played on Friday, notching a 20-point home win over the Utah Jazz.

Up Next for the Lakers

Los Angeles (2-4) will play the second of its six-game home stand on Sunday. The Sacramento Kings (2-4) offer a perfect opportunity for the team to continue their winning ways.

The Kings may be thinking the same thing, though, as they visit the Staples Center needing to get their season on track.