Xavier Henry: 'We were ready to play without Kobe Bryant'

Xavier Henry has said that starting the season without Kobe Bryant has helped the Los Angeles Lakers to prepare for his latest injury.

The guard, who missed the first 19 games of the season while recovering from an Achilles injury, is expected to miss the next six weeks after picking up a knee fracture against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this week.

Henry, who is the fourth player to start at point guard for the Lakers this season, told reporters: "It just prepared us. I mean, we started without him, and right now unfortunately we're without him again. But we know we can play.

"We know we can win games, and we have the confidence that we have other people that can do the job."

The Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-91 yesterday evening.