Lakers keep NBA dream alive

KOBE BRYANT finished with 25 points and five steals to keep the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA Finals dream alive with a 103-98 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game Five at the Staples Center on Sunday.

Lamar Odom contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for LA, while Pau Gasol also bagged 19 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

But it was Bryant who produced the game’s pivotal play as Boston, for whom Paul Pierce poured in 38 points including 12 in the fourth quarter, threatened a comeback late in the game.