Orlando can’t win four without winning one first

Given their rich heritage, the Lakers can’t really view Game 2 of the NBA Finals tonight as anything more than just another big night out.

On the other end of the basketball spectrum, well, the Orlando Magic can actually make franchise history at Staples Center.

And maybe it had better.

The Magic is still looking for its first-ever Finals victory.

Sure, it has played in only one other title round while the Lakers are making their 24th Finals appearance in Los Angeles.

The Magic is now 0 for 5 in the Finals, having lost Game 1 to the Lakers, 100-75, on Thursday night and having been swept in 1995 by the Houston Rockets.

Orlando could use a breakthrough win, not solely for historical purposes, of course. But because a split in L.A. swings the momentum the Magic’s way and reminds doubters of its resiliency heading back to Florida for three consecutive games.

Funny, Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t get one measly victory in the Finals, let alone a ring, until he left the Magic for the Lakers and hooked up with Kobe Bryant.

Dwight Howard wants to do something the Big Exit couldn’t accomplish in Orlando.

“I think it would be great for us as an organization,” Howard said Saturday. “Our goal wasn’t to make it to the Finals and win one game. We want to win the whole thing.

“We believe we will win it.”

The Magic has belief. The question is whether it has enough rebounding and defense, and whether Coach Stan Van Gundy has to beef up at power forward for the first time since Rashard Lewis moved to the position from small forward.

“We really struggled on the glass and we struggled to defend the paint,” Van Gundy said. “If that continues to be a problem, then I think we’ve got to look at being able to play a little bigger.”

He might, at some point, have to use more of Tony Battie or Marcin Gortat.

The Magic has gotten away with playing Lewis, 6 feet 10, 230 pounds and primarily a three-point shooter, at power forward. But Lakers power forward Pau Gasol is 7 feet, 250, and armed with a vast offensive repertoire.

More bad news for Orlando was that Bryant, 30, announced he’s getting better with age.

Gulp. Bryant scored 40 points in the opener.

He’s on a mission to win a 15th title for the Lakers -- their first since 2002 -- and revive L.A.’s legendary legacy.

“Certain organizations always seem to find a way, and I believe the Lakers are one of them,” he said.

The Magic wants to start being one of those organizations too. First, it needs a Finals victory No. 1.

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bschmitz@orlandosentinel.com.