Celtics 113, Lakers 96
Tyler Zeller posted a career-high 24 points and season-best 14 rebounds and Jared Sullinger scored nine of his 17 points during a decisive third quarter spurt as host Boston pulled away.
Rajon Rondo had 12 points, 16 assists and eight rebounds for the Celtics, who have won two straight after losing five in a row. Zeller shot 10-of-11 from the floor, Jeff Green recorded 19 points and Sullinger added 13 rebounds as Boston improved to 2-3 in a stretch of six-of-seven games at home.
Kobe Bryant registered 22 points on 21 shots and Nick Young scored 16 off the bench for the Lakers, who completed a quick three-game road trip 1-2. Jeremy Lin scored 14 as Los Angeles lost for the sixth time in eight games.
Zeller had eight points and Rondo added six along with five assists as the Celtics jumped to a 27-11 lead just under nine minutes in. Young capped an 11-1 run with a 3-pointer midway through the second quarter to get the Lakers back in the contest and Boston led 53-48 at the break.
Boston pushed the edge to double figures 1:15 into the third, but the Lakers got within six before Sullinger scored nine points during a 13-3 spurt over three minutes to give Boston a 76-60 lead with 4:16 left in the third. The Lakers got within nine midway through the fourth, but a 13-0 run capped by a Rondo jumper allowed the Celtics to coast home.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Bryant needs 77 more points to pass Michael Jordan (32,292) for third on the all-time scoring list. … Zeller, making his fourth start, had 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting and nine rebounds in the first half. … The Celtics shot 51.1 percent and held a 54-38 edge on the glass.