What They're Saying: Magic vs. Lakers 12/20

I am still buzzing after Orlando's impressive win against San Antonio. But it is time to put that away because the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers come to the Amway Arena.

This is the matchup the Magic have been waiting for. Like the Spurs game Thursday, this is a game that will tell us a lot (as much as it can in December) .

Dwight Howard is still working himself into the lineup and he looked a little rusty and frustrated against the Spurs and Tim Duncan. Things don't get easier as the Lakers can feature a big lineup with the crafty Pau Gasol and the young and athletic Andrew Bynum. I don't know how much of both players we will see on the court at the same time, but they present an interesting challenge to the Magic's inside players.

Kobe Bryant. Orlando probably will not be able to stop him without Mickael Pietrus. Keith Bogans will have to do his best.

Jameer Nelson though is playing some of his best basketball of his career this month. He had a career game against Golden State on Monday and led a late Orlando run Thursday that put the game away after San Antonio cut a 20-point lead to six. Nelson had developed into one of the team's leaders. Orlando is going to need another big game out of him tonight to be successful against a very poised and talented Lakers team.

-Despite a win on national TV against the Spurs, the Magic were upstaged Thursday night by Brandon Roy's 52 point performance against the Suns. Maybe that is where the national attention for the Magic have gone. Brian Schmitz of The Orlando Sentinel asks the team how they think Orlando can raise its national profile. A win against the Lakers would not hurt.

-John Denton from the Florida Today wonders why the Finals loss has not fired up the Lakers more. They are playing well, but have had some struggles recently including last night's two-point loss to Miami and a loss to Sacramento earlier this season.

-Mark Wangrin from the Associated Press in USA Today writes that Jameer Nelson has taken Orlando's point guard position as his without the safety nets of Keyon Dooling and Carlos Arroyo behind him. Nelson has succeeded so far and proven Otis Smith's risk to give him a big extension was well worth it so far.

-By the sound of Mike Bresnahan's report from Miami for the Los Angeles Times, losing to a struggling Miami team last night might be causing panic in Lakerland. The Heat appear to be the easiest game for Los Angeles on a seven-day road trip that includes trips to Orlando, New Orleans and then home for the Celtics.

-Lakers center Andrew Bynum struggled last night against the undersized Joel Anthony. But he held his ground in his only matchup with Howard two years ago. Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports Bynum is ready to face Superman.

-Lakers minority owner Magic Johnson questions his team's defensive toughness, Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reports. They will get a good look at a tough defensive team tonight too. Orlando ranks third in defensive efficiency according to ESPN.com. The Lakers are fourth.

-Ramona Shelburne of the Los Angeles Daily News writes that the loss last night to Miami was a long time coming. The Lakers had a few uninspiring victories earlier this week and a superstar like Dwyane Wade took adavantage of Los Angeles' lack of energy.

The Lakers are clearly not playing their best basketball right now. They have been good enough to get away with some wins against mediocre opponents. Coach Phil Jackson was waiting for them to hit the road to see what would happen.

The result last night in Miami was not what they were looking for. Will it serve as a wake up call?

I do not know. I have the feeling that it might and it might be enough for Los Angeles to get a road win against Orlando. But then again, the Magic are playing their best basketball of the season. What gives this game?

I am feeling a little optimistic today. Nelson is going to get where he wants on the floor. Howard is going to dominate in the paint. And Rashard Lewis is going to have a big game as well forcing the Lakers to go small.

Why not give Orlando an easy win and send Los Angeles into a bigger tailspin?