Bodog Beat

Despite a magnificent night from Paul Pierce, the Boston Celtics failed to close out the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

In what would have gone down as the most embarrassing week in Los Angeles Lakers history, Kobe Bryant and company survived a scare in Game 4, coming out on top 103-98.

After another excellent first quarter, the Lakers then spent the next three giving away the very lead they should have been protecting with their basketball lives.

Bryant, who opened the game with 16 points in dramatic fashion (four three-pointers included), finished with just 25 after all but disappearing in the second and third quarters. He did however chip in an impressive five steals.

Looking to point fingers in New England? Don't even suggest that Paul Pierce is to blame. Pierce managed a series-high 38 points while Kevin Garnett failed to prove he even belonged on the court down the stretch.

Lamar Odom chipped in for the Lakers with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Pau Gasol followed suit with 19 and 13 of his own.

The Lakers victory only means that the team will head to Boston for Games 6 and 7. No team has ever battled back from the 3-1 deficit the Lakers faced just earlier today.

Lakers hater? Celtics homer? Put on your objective glasses and your money on Game 6. Stick around Bodog .com for all your NBA odds.