THE SHAQ SWEEPSTAKES : West Says Lakers Want to Move Fast

The waiting finally gave way to the talking Thursday afternoon, when the NBA moratorium on free-agent signings was lifted and the Lakers got to make their pitch to Shaquille O’Neal.

The Lakers have other free agents on their list, but only one at the top: O’Neal. The superstar center put himself on the open market when, as expected, he exercised an out-clause in his contract with the Orlando Magic.

O’Neal and his agent, Leonard Armato, have consistently said the Magic has the inside track and issued a statement saying, “Orlando is still the first choice and the likely place for Shaquille. . . . However, I have advised him that he should carefully consider all of his options and make a well-reasoned, thoughtful decision.

“Shaquille has made clear that he does not want to drag out this decision, preferring to concentrate on the upcoming Olympics.”

The Lakers are one of O’Neal’s options and apparently are very much in the picture.

Jerry West, their executive vice president, would not comment on specific players, even though he is now free to, but said of the first day of the most lucrative free-agent class ever:

“I talked with a number of people. I think we have different priorities than some teams and our priorities are kind of set, but I can’t see things getting resolved fast and that concerns us. We need to be competitive as can be in this market.”

In other words, the Lakers don’t want to wait on one player, not get him, and then find everyone else has already signed.

“I think some people are going to sign quickly,” West said. “And if that’s the case, we’re at an incredible risk to not get a player or players we would like to have.”

The Lakers, he said, did not set a deadline for O’Neal or anyone to make a decision, but added, “We know it’s pressing, that’s for sure.

“We need tonight and we need another productive day tomorrow to try and get our work done.”

Meanwhile, it appears there is a good chance Elden Campbell will re-sign with the Lakers as a free agent, even though he will be seriously courted by several teams.

Sedale Threatt, who will probably not be back, received interest from several teams looking for backcourt help, including Detroit, Denver, San Antonio and Milwaukee.