Kobe Bryant says the Lakers need to ‘carry on’ Jerry Buss’ vision

The Lakers (26-29) inched closer to .500 with a 113-99 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

That’s quite a turnaround after the Lakers were beaten soundly, 116-95, in Boston on Feb. 7.

“It was definitely on my mind,” Kobe Bryant said of the recent defeat. “They beat us pretty good up there. We certainly wanted to return the favor.”

Bryant is expected to speak at the memorial service for Jerry Buss on Thursday. The Lakers owner died on Monday after a battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.

“It’s a huge honor to play for this organization,” Bryant said. “Everything that he’s built: You look around at all the trophies. You look at all the parades and all the support that we have and what this organization means, that all came from one man, his vision. His vision transcended the game. It became pop culture. The impact is global.”

Bryant said the team needs to continue the tradition.

“We’ve got to continue to carry on what he built,” he said. “Carry it on the right way and represent him the right way.”

Bryant addressed the crowd before the game at Staples Center on Wednesday, asking for a moment of silence.

“We are all spoiled by his vision and his drive to win year after year after year,” said Bryant before the game.

With the victory over the Celtics, the Lakers overtook the Portland Trail Blazers (25-29) in the standings. They’ll host the Blazers on Friday night.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.