ORLANDO, Fla. — Jameer Nelson had 27 points, and Orlando overcame Kobe Bryant's season-high 41 points in the Magic's 106-103 victory over the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers tonight.

Orlando held a lead late in the fourth quarter, and foul-plagued Dwight Howard hit a pair of free throws with just over a minute left. Rashard Lewis hit one of two free throws in the final minute to put the Magic up to stay.

Bryant missed a 3 at the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime.

Howard scored 18 points in his second game back from a knee injury.

Orlando, which beat perennial Western Conference contender San Antonio on Thursday, was looking to validate itself as a legitimate NBA title contender.

Rashard Lewis added 22 points for Magic in their sixth straight home victory.

Bryant had 25 first-half points as the Lakers took a 58-49 halftime lead.

The Lakers went on a 8-0 run early in the second quarter to take a 32-24 lead.

Jameer Nelson hit a long jumper to tie the score at 78-78 late in the third quarter, with the Magic using six 3s to get back in the game.

Nelson scored 15 points in the third quarter.

The Magic faced a great test, but so did Howard. He matched up with Lakers big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, both averaging at least 13 points.

Howard and Bynum picked up their second fouls early in the first quarter and went to the bench. Howard drew a technical foul early in the second quarter, and played only nine minutes in the first half.

Lakers guard Jordan Farmar tore his meniscus cartilage in his left knee against Miami Friday. An MRI confirmed the injury Saturday, but the Lakers don't yet know how long he'll be sidelined. Farmar was on the bench in street clothes Saturday but will return to Los Angeles Sunday for further examination.

Orlando's been the beneficiary of a generous schedule. They caught San Antonio on the second of back-to-back games, and enjoyed the same advantage against the Lakers. Los Angeles lost to Miami on Friday.

There were obstacles, however. The Magic hadn't beaten the Lakers at home in four seasons.