Howard sparks Lakers in trip back to Orlando

Dwight Howard scored a season-high 39 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers over the Orlando Magic 106-97 in a homecoming game on Tuesday against his former NBA club.

Howard also matched his own NBA record for free-throw attempts in a game with 39, sinking 25 of them while hitting 7-of-13 shots from the field as the Lakers improved to 34-31 in their fight for a Western Conference playoff berth.

"I just wanted to come out and have a great game," Howard said. "It was a great atmosphere. I could just get my mind away and play."