In a match-up between the former 1980s glamour teams, it was Bryant's 16 fourth quarter points (43 for the game) for the Lakers (35-34) that proved the difference in a 105-97 result.

In contrast Celtics top-scorer and All-Star Paul Pierce has just two of his 26 points in the final period.

The Lakers cross-town rivals, the Clippers, also tasted victory in the NBA, downing the Houston Rockets 99-91 on the strength of guard Sam Cassell's 24 points and substitute Corey Magette's 20.

It was the Clippers' sixth win from its past seven games, and they improve to a 39-26 to trail only Phoenix in the Pacific Division.

In Detroit, the league-leading Pistons defeated the lowly Atlanta Hawks 91-84 and have improved to 53-13 on the season.

Rasheed Wallace scored 17 of his 26 points in the first half and Tayshaun Prince added 18 as the Pistons clinched their fourth division title in five seasons with the victory.

Australian Andrew Bogut scored 11 points and added five rebounds in just 12 minutes on court as his Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 100-93.

NBA results, March 20 (US)
Lakers 105 Celtics 97
Hawks 84 Pistons 91
Clippers 99 Rockets 91
Bucks 100 Blazers 93