BOSTON — Paul Pierce scored 24 points and led a third-quarter surge as the Celtics routed the Lakers 116-95 last night, improving to 6-0 since losing point guard Rajon Rondo for the season with a torn right knee ligament.

The Lakers had cut a 58-44 halftime deficit to 72-61 with 5:07 left in the third quarter. Then the Celtics went on a 23-8 run and led 95-69 going into the fourth. Pierce started the surge with a three-point play and ended it with a 3-pointer with 41 seconds left, giving him 12 points in the period.

Kobe Bryant scored 27 to lead the Lakers, who suffered their worst loss of the season despite the return of Dwight Howard after he missed three games with a sore right shoulder.

Howard had nine points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes before fouling out with 5:07