MKRob Sports

The Orlando Magic returned to the NBA’s main stage for the first time in 14 years, but quickly learned the biggest star in Hollywood this time of year isn’t named Jack or Leonardo or Denzel.

It’s Kobe, and he only needs one name for identification.

Kobe Bryant welcomed back the Magic to their first NBA Finals since 1995, scoring 40 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-75 rout in Game 1 at Staples Center.

The Magic pulled out all the stops. They brought point guard Jameer Nelson out of mothballs and playing more than anyone could have imagined (23 minutes) after a four-month layoff, but it wasn’t nearly enough.

The Lakers had been swept by the Magic for the first time in their franchise history this season, but they had the eye of Kobe. They fed off his talent and tenacity to overwhelm Orlando in the second half after taking a 10-point lead at intermission, building the margin to as many as 28 points with a 29-15 third-quarter display.

L.A. stifled Orlando’s potent offense. Dwight Howard struggled to even get shots and make shots, finishing with just 12 points on only 1-of-6 attempts. Mickael Pietrus was the leading scorer with 14 points.

The rest of the Magic starters also had dreadful nights as the club shot a frigid 29.9 percent and 34.8 percent from 3-point range.

Game 2 is here on Sunday before the best-of-seven series returns to Orlando for three games at Amway Arena in the 2-3-2 format.

The Magic have a few days to try to figure out how to deal with match-up issues, chiefly L.A.’s interior defense, rebounding and, of course, Kobe. Bryant made 16-of-34 shots and added eight rebounds and eight assists.

The Magic won despite trailing in series against Philadelphia and Boston, but none of those teams — including the Cleveland Cavs — possess the versatile front-line depth that L.A does with veterans Pau Gasol (16 points, eight boards) and Lamar Odom (11 points, 14 rebounds) and young Andrew Bynum (nine points, nine rebounds).

Nelson made a surprise appearance off the bench and finished with six points and four assists, activated just before the game despite General Manager Otis Smith saying he had a “smidgen” of a chance to play. Every player had a jersey hung up in their dressing-room stalls as late as 2 p.m. — except Nelson as the intrigue built.

Making an early comeback after undergoing shoulder surgery Feb. 19, Nelson had his moments, but looked rusty after replacing starter Rafer Alston to start the second quarter.

He recorded an assist on a nice bounce pass to Marcin Gortat and hit a short turnaround jumper. Coach Stan Van Gundy said he would ease Nelson back into series, but he played all of the second period — and took a blow to his shoulder.

He doubled over after getting tangled with a few Lakers and held his arm limply — reminiscent of the night on Feb. 2 when he originally injured it. He grimaced, but played on and obviously will have a meaty role as the series progresses.

L.A. pushed the margin to 26 at 82-56 near the end of the third quarter as Kobe recorded 18 in the period.

The Magic were steady early, stretching a lead to 33-38 in the second on rookie Courtney Lee’s basket as Nelson recorded his third assist. Then Kobe, well, turned into Kobe, and the Lakers held the Magic to 21 percent shooting (4-of-19).

Bryant scored 12 points, including the last basket of the period. to push the Lakers’ lead to 53-43 at halftime.

When asked if the Magic might be intimidated by all the hoopla, Smith said, “Stage fright? Us?” He was right. A loosey-goosey team that won 27 road games this season, the Magic didn’t have the jitters or fall into a familiar postseason trap of starting slowly.

They just had no answer for the biggest Hollywood star in the baggy shorts.