Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Lamar Odom hit two free throws with 16 seconds remaining and Pau Gasol came up with two big defensive plays late in overtime, as the Lakers beat the Celtics, 110-109, snapping Boston's 12-game winning streak and sweeping the two-game series between the NBA's elite clubs.
Kobe Bryant had 26 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, which won for the ninth time in 10 games and moved to a league-best 40-9, all while getting another measure of revenge for losing to its long-time nemesis in last year's Finals.
Gasol ended with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Odom scored 20 for the Lakers, who picked up a 92-83 win over the Celtics on Christmas Day, then breaking Boston's franchise-record 19-game winning streak.
Newly-named All-Star Ray Allen had 22 points to pace Boston, but his three- point shot at the end was well off the mark as the Celtics (41-10) lost for the first time since January 9 at Cleveland. Paul Pierce ended with 21 points in defeat.
Celtics forward Kevin Garnett returned after a two-game absence due to the flu and had 16 points and six rebounds, but wasn't around to play overtime as he fouled out with 4:22 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers, who are one win away from a perfect six-game road trip, now have to look forward to a meeting with LeBron James and the Cavaliers in Cleveland Sunday afternoon. Just like Thursday, that will be another huge test as the Cavs are 39-9 overall and unbeaten at home (23-0).
A jumper from Glen Davis gave Boston a 109-108 edge with 1:04 left in OT, and Bryant missed a jumper under heavy pressure that opened the door for the Celtics to seal the win. Instead, it was stolen from them.
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Davis' jumper was blocked by Gasol, and Odom was fouled.
After the two free throws, Pierce missed a jumper, but Rajon Rondo got the rebound and was fouled outside the three-point line by a falling Derek Fisher with three seconds left.
The Lakers, though, had a foul to give, and Boston was forced to inbound the ball again. Davis received the ball and handed it off to Allen, but his long- distance shot was altered by the combination of Fisher and Gasol as the horn sounded.
