With an assist from Pat Riley and Magic Johnson, Jerry Buss brought Showtime to Los Angeles.

On a night that kicked off with a solemn tribute to their recently deceased owner, the Lakers brought it back.

Riding just the latest emotional wave in what has been a saga-filled season, the Lakers routed the visiting Boston Celtics in a 113-99 victory on Wednesday night at Staples Center.

"It was very fitting," Bryant said. "It's funny how sports always to have those poetic stories. Something like this happens, and we just so happened to play the Celtics the next game.

Added Boston's Paul Pierce: "You could see it in their eyes. I could see it in Kobe's eyes. He was really emotional when he came out. They wanted that game bad and they understood that."

Buss, who presided over the Lakers since 1980 and led the team to 10 championships, including three victories over Boston in the NBA Finals, received a massive ovation from the adoring home crown. A video was played commemorating his life. Kobe Bryant addressed the crowd. The Celtics, as expected, were greeted with boos.

In a season full of disappointment for the Lakers, the game was a bit reminiscent of brighter days in the rivalry, at least in the Los Angeles box score.

The Lakers had seven players score in double figures, including all five starters, as they jumped on the Celtics early.

Los Angeles led by as much as 14 in the first half, claimed a nine-point halftime lead and stretched the advantage to as much as 19 in the third quarter.

Dwight Howard led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds, and Kobe Bryant -- who choked up while addressing the crowd before the game with his thoughts about Buss -- finished with 16 points and seven assists. Steve Nash had 14 points and seven assists, passing Magic Johnson for fourth on the all-time assists list, and Earl Clark added 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers.