Entering what is certain to be a heated battle, Howard, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash have led the Lakers on a three-game winning streak. Since Jan. 23, the Lakers are 16-6 and have moved into eighth place in the Western Conference.
Overall, they're currently 33-31 and are 11-20 on the road.
As for the Magic, they're 18-46 overall and 10-24 at home. Nikola Vucevic, Howard's replacement at center, has been a major reason for their success with an average of 11.4 rebounds per contest.
We'll get to that in a matter of moments.
Truth be told, records will be tossed out of the window for this one. Tensions will be high, emotions will overpower talent and both teams will be desperate for a W.
So how will D-12's return to Orlando transpire?
Time: Tuesday, Mar. 12, at 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: TWC SportsNet & FSN Florida
Records: Los Angeles Lakers (33-31, 11-20 road) at Orlando Magic (18-46, 10-24 home)
Betting Line: Lakers (-8)
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report
Pau Gasol, Torn Plantar Fascia, Out
Jordan Hill, Hip Surgery, Out
Orlando Magic Injury Report
Glen Davis, Fractured Fifth Metatarsal, Out
Hedo Turkoglu, Suspension, Out
Key Storyline: Dwight Howard's Return to Orlando
What else could it be?
From 2004 to 2012, Dwight Howard was the face of the Orlando Magic. He led the team to five postseason appearances, a trip to the 2009 NBA Finals and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Orlando won 21 games the season prior to Howard's arrival.
Unfortunately, Magic fans don't remember Howard for the contributions he made to...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
