If team record factors into MVP voting, then a case can be made for all-star center Dwight Howard to bring home the hardware.

The Magic headed into Friday night's marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 31-8 record, near the NBA mountaintop.

Howard has some stats to back up the Magic's rise with the season reaching the midway point. As of Friday, he was averaging 20.2 points and 13.8 rebounds per game.

Most notably, however, is Howard's impressive display defensively. He is running away with the NBA lead in blocked shots per game, at 3.2.

"Dwight has to be mentioned in the MVP race -- no question," Magic power forward Tony Battie said.

Asked about winning MVP, Howard said it would be nice to put a trophy in his new Longwood mansion but adds, "All I care about is winning. I want to win a championship more than anything else. If we win, maybe everything will take care of itself."

Why He Can Win It

The Magic haven't been this good since another certain franchise center roamed in Orlando. Howard is doing what Shaquille O'Neal did in his salad days (Shaq ought to have more salad these days) -- and that's singlehandedly improve the club nearly every season.

The Magic have gone from worst to first (in the Southeast Division) since they drafted Howard with the No. 1 overall pick in 2004 after going a league-worst 21-61. The following four seasons with Howard have gone like this: 36 wins, 36 wins, 40 wins and 52 wins.

Orlando headed into the game against the Lakers as a legit contender, thanks to the Superman Effect.

Why He Can't Win It

Let's face it: The Magic would have to emerge with the best record in the East, outclassing defending champion Boston and Cleveland, for Howard to capture the trophy. If LeBron James is the MVP frontrunner -- and most say he is -- the Magic definitely would have to trump the Cavs.

And with Kobe Bryant always on everyone's MVP list, Orlando might also have to finish with a better record. Dwyane Wade seemingly is the only other candidate, but likely won't have a chance despite the Heat's decent resurgence.

Why He Can Win It

While the game has leaned toward "small ball," Howard is a true back-to-the-basket big man who can dominate both ends. He's not only a dunking powerhouse but an amazing athlete who can leap tall buildings in a single bound, as his all-star slam-dunk performance revealed.

Why He Can't Win It

LeBron, D-Wade and Kobe have the ball in their hands all the time, facing the basket and guaranteed all the shots they want. Howard has to wait on teammates to get him the rock, and he's surrounded by shooters who like to shoot.

Why He Can Win It

Howard's burgeoning popularity -- through increased exposure through endorsements, the Olympics and slam-dunk contest -- can't hurt his cause. He is leading all players in all-star voting after the fourth returns. And a fresh personality -- The Next Big Thing -- might appeal to some writers tired of LeBron throwing rosin in their faces. Or not.

Why He Can't Win It:

The never-ending LeBron Love-fest. There's probably only one other guy on the planet who plays Basketball who can out-LeBron LeBron. A guard-elect named Barack Obama.