Final: Lakers 129, Celtics 128 -- Rondo hits buzzer beater for win

In his first game back at the TD Garden as a Laker, Rajon Rondo finished off a storybook ending for the former Celtic. The point guard corralled a loose ball with one second remaining and knocked down a mid-range jump shot to pull off the road win, capping off an 18-point rally for the Lakers. Rondo finished with a double-double (17 points, 10 assists), LeBron James added a triple-double (28 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists) while Kyle Kuzma had a monster second half (21 points) to give the Lakers a much-needed win. Kyrie Irving had a team-high 24 points for the Celtics, who blew a six-point lead in the game’s final two minutes in the defeat as Boston had their five-game winning streak snapped.

First Half Notes

• Lots of sloppy basketball in the early going with plenty of misfires for both sides.


• Lakers offense looks completely rattled for the second straight game, with 28 percent shooting from field and 2-of-7 from the line over the game's first nine minutes.


• Marcus Smart continues to be a problem in transition for opponents, spotting up for a pair of 3s on the break that he knocked down with extra space.


• Kyrie Irving very aggressive attacking the basket early but was blocked three times in the first half.


• Lance Stephenson with nine quick points off the bench for LA after losing Irving off of screens on a couple of occasions.


• C's offense settled down once bench got into the game the game. Ball movement improved as well with nine assists on 10 made field goals in the first quarter.


• Tatum and the bench unit were fantastic against the Lakers starters in the second quarter with Tatum, Rozier and Brown all scoring 11 points apiece to carry the scoring load for Boston.


• Celtics continue

• The Lakers will be down a number to 11 bodies on Thursday night in the wake of a bunch of trades over the past four days. Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac have been shipped off while new addition Reggie Bullock will not yet be available for the team.


• The Lakers suffered their worst loss of the season and of LeBron James' career on Tuesday night in Indiana, a 42-point defeat in the wake of constant trade rumors.


• The Celtics will have Kyrie Irving (hip) and Marcus Morris (knee) back in the lineup after a one-game absence. Robert Williams (sore back) is expected to be available to play as well.


• The Celtics have won five straight games and ten of their last 11 overall, making them the hottest team in the Eastern Conference for the time being.