OS ANGELES - The return of Shaquille O'Neal was expected. The renewal of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry and all of its drama was not.

The final seconds of last night's game undoubtedly will become part of the lore between these two teams. Paul Pierce declared the game one for ESPN's ''Instant Classics.''

It was not until after a midcourt conference involving both sides and the officials that the Celtics were declared 109-108 winners over the defending champion Lakers last night at Staples Center. The referees determined that Kobe Bryant released what would have been a game-winning 18-footer after the final horn, meaning Antoine Walker's improbable 3-point bank shot with 1.8 seconds left stood as the game-winner.