LOS ANGELES – The Lakers needed a last-minute basket to hold off the Boston Celtics, and Kobe Bryant knew everybody in green would expect him to take the shot.

That’s why Bryant suggested Andrew Bynum should do it — and the All-Star center leaped at the opportunity to seal Los Angeles’ latest win in the NBA’s most storied rivalry.

Bryant scored 10 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and hit a go-ahead jumper with 41.7 seconds to play, and Bynum’s hook shot over Kevin Garnett capped the Lakers’ 97-94 victory Sunday.

Bynum had 20 points and 14 rebounds as the Lakers rallied from a five-point deficit in the final 2 1/2 minutes, scoring the final eight points. Bryant and Bynum had four apiece — but only after Kobe urged Coach Mike Brown to use him as a decoy.

“Andrew is too big. You can’t teach that,” Bryant said with a grin. “I knew it was going to be a high-percentage shot.”

After Bynum coolly scored out of a timeout with 15.5 seconds left, Boston couldn’t get a good look at a tying 3-pointer, sending the Lakers to their third straight victory over their longtime rivals.

Bynum appeared to take particular satisfaction in his decisive role in the victory after years as a supporting player to Bryant’s late-game heroics.

“It was crazy,” Bynum said. “Kobe came up with that play. He said, ‘They’re not going to be able to know what to do.’ I was able to get deep position and go to work.”

Rajon Rondo had 24 points and 10 assists for the Celtics, who opened an eight-game trip by blowing a late lead. On Boston’s final possession, Ray Allen failed to get free for a 3-pointer before Rondo badly missed a desperate tying attempt.

The Lakers earned their 18th victory in 19 home games, stylishly finishing their third straight victory over Boston in yet another thrilling meeting.

“We love beating this team,” Bynum said.

BUCKS 105, RAPTORS 99: Ersan Ilyasova had 31 points as visiting Milwaukee beat Toronto for the sixth straight time.

76ERS 106, KNICKS 94: Lou Williams scored 12 of his 28 points in a dazzling third-quarter flurry, Evan Turner had 24 points and 15 rebounds, and visiting Philadelphia handed New York its fifth straight loss.

MAGIC 107, PACERS 94: Dwight Howard had 30 points and 13 rebounds, and J.J. Redick added 18 points and a career-high nine assists as Orlando won at home.

CAVALIERS 118, ROCKETS 107: Antawn Jamison scored 28 points and rookie Kyrie Irving came through again in the fourth quarter, leading Cleveland at home.

GRIZZLIES 94, NUGGETS 91: O.J. Mayo scored 22 points, including a critical 3-pointer in the closing seconds, and Memphis held on to win at Denver.

HAWKS 106, KINGS 99: Josh Smith scored 19 of his 28 points in the second half for visiting Atlanta, which defeated Sacramento for the eighth straight time.