The annual visit from Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers is still an event. But in recent years it has become a horror show for the Magic, who have suffered some of their most disappointing defeats at home against the Lakers. A sellout crowd and a national TNT audience will see whether they can reverse the trend tonight.

The Magic (23-22) may be catching the two-time defending champions at the right time. The Lakers are having their mid-season bout with boredom. Six losses in their last nine games have dropped them to fourth place in the Western Conference.

"Nothing is wrong with the Lakers," said Magic Coach Doc Rivers. "Their record this year is actually better than it was at this time last year. Teams that have won championships don't panic.

"They're not playing well, but that doesn't mean one game can't turn it around for them."

Rivers' concern is that this might be the game.

"Shaq never struggles against us," he said. "He enjoys playing against his real hometown team, so you know he'll play well again."

The Lakers have been the Magic's nemesis, dating back even before O'Neal's departure in 1996. Their 6 20 record against the Lakers is the Magic's worst against any NBA team. They are 2-8 since O'Neal left, although Shaq did not play in one of the victories and one of the losses. In his eight games against Orlando, O'Neal has averaged 30.9 points, 14.8 rebounds and 3.4 blocks.

On March 21, 1999, the Magic had a 63-39 lead late in the first half and a 20-point lead well into the third quarter before the Lakers came back. The Lakers shot 77 percent in the second half, including 9-of-12 three-point shooting, to win going away, 115-104.

Then-Coach Chuck Daly made it worse by describing the Sunday afternoon game as a "coming-out party" for the 20-year-old Kobe Bryant, who scored 33 of his 38 points in the second half.

But it got even worse the following year.

After playing from behind almost all night, the Magic rallied to take an 88-86 lead on Darrell Armstrong's layup with 26.3 seconds left. A Glen Rice turnover gave the ball back to the Magic with 17.4 seconds left.

But O'Neal stole Ron Mercer's inbounds pass, went down and dunked, and the Lakers went on to win in overtime.

O'Neal referred to himself as "the Big Felon because of my stealing ability."

Funny stuff. But not to the Magic.

The Lakers' 95-90 victory on March 19, 2001 was a little less dramatic. O'Neal (33 points, 17 rebounds) was simply too much for the Magic's center committee of Andrew DeClercq, Mike Doleac, John Amaechi and Don Reid.

The Magic's center position does not appear to be in better hands than it was a year ago. It has been a problem ever since O'Neal left, and especially when he comes back to Orlando.