LOS ANGELES (AP) – Carlos Boozer scored 18 points in his new role off the bench, and the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the league-leading Golden State Warriors 115-105 on Tuesday night without Kobe Bryant.
The NBA’s No. 3 career scorer sat out for the first time this season to rest his tired legs, a decision made by coach Byron Scott.
The 36-year-old shooting guard, averaging 35.5 minutes through the first 27 games of his 19th NBA season and shooting just 37.2 percent, was 3 for 15 in a one-point loss to Oklahoma City last Friday and 8 for 30 with nine turnovers in a seven-point defeat at Sacramento on Sunday.
Stephen Curry had 22 points and six assists for the Warriors, who lost for only the fourth time in their first 27 games.