Kansas Jayhawks violence: Xavier Henry destroys Jeff Withey (GIF)

When the Los Angeles Laker lost their leader and future hall of fame guard Kobe Bryant late last season, it was not only a death sentence for their playoff hopes as they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs, but many expected them to struggle this season for as long as Bryant was out while recovering from his torn Achilles Tendon.

The Lakers made a couple of decent signings this offseason, but the one that quietly went unnoticed was that of Xavier Henry. After getting off to a good start to he season,Henry has struggled in the past few games, but that changed Tuesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Nov 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Xavier Henry (7) dunks the ball against New Orleans Pelicans center Jeff Withey (5) at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Pelicans 116-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

With a little less that two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Henry had Laker fans roaring after a huge dunk over his former college teammate Jeff Withey from his days with the Kansas Jayhawks:

HENRY DUNK /

The Lakers went on to win the game and are now 4-5 on the season. They just need to stay around the .500 mark until Kobe comes back and that will give them ample time to make a run at a playoff berth.

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