The Southeast Division-leading Magic look for their eighth victory in nine games on Saturday night when they host the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers.

After advancing to the East semifinals in 2007-08, Orlando (20-6) is hoping to make a title run this season. So far, it looks like it has what it takes.

The Magic lost their first two games this season, but have won 20 of 24 since to take a four-game lead over second-place Atlanta in the division.

They defeated San Antonio 90-78 on Thursday, and can validate their status as legitimate contenders with a win over the Lakers (21-4) and a victory over Southwest-leading New Orleans on Christmas day.

"We are playing with confidence now, but beating the best team in the West would definitely give us a lot more confidence," said the Magic's Jameer Nelson, who scored 24 points against the Spurs. "I think that we've proven we can compete with anybody in the NBA and as long as we play our game, it is going to be tough for people to beat us."

The Magic haven't had much success against Los Angeles, however, losing 16 of the last 19 meetings and eight of 10 in Orlando.

Dwight Howard had 36 points on 14-of-19 shooting and 19 rebounds in the two games against the Lakers in 2007-08, as the teams split the season series.

Howard returned on Thursday after missing two games because of a sore knee, and didn't appear to miss a step, scoring 14 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The two-time All-Star leads the league in rebounds (14.1) and blocked shots (3.8), and is tied for first with 18 double-doubles.

The Magic have won their last five home games by an average of 10.6 points, and are looking to win six in a row at Amway Arena for the first time since Nov. 6-25, 2006.

"We've got to make a statement," Orlando's Rashard Lewis said. "We've got to continue to play well and win ballgames. I think that the most important part to gain recognition in this league, you've got to get wins."

The Lakers have been receiving plenty of recognition lately, as they've jumped out to one of the best starts in the league with a 6 1/2 game lead over second-place Phoenix in the Pacific Division.

The defending West champions had won four in a row before opening a four-game road trip with a tough 89-87 loss to Miami on Friday.

The Lakers trailed by as many as 12 in the fourth quarter and were held to their lowest scoring total of the season, but still had a chance to win. Kobe Bryant's potential game-tying 15-foot fadeaway rimmed out as time expired, and the reigning league MVP finished with 28 points.

"It was going down, then just popped out," said Bryant, who averaged 32.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in two games versus the Magic last season. "Happens sometimes. You regroup and you get back to work."

The Lakers have not lost consecutive games all season, but have dropped their last two on the road after starting 7-1 away from Staples Center.