Magic Johnson challenged Dwight Howard to play like a max player. Howard answered the call and then some in the Lakers win over San Antonio with 26 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. Steve Blake chipped in with 23 points and unexpectedly won the point guard battle with Tony Parker who went 1-for-10 from the field.
The Lakers are shorthanded with Bryant out for the playoffs, but the Spurs are reeling as they head into the playoffs. On Saturday, they waived Stephen Jackson and the Lakers loss dropped them to 3-5 without Manu Ginobili in the lineup.
