O’Neal Impressive in Practice
The Lakers haven’t set a return date, but Shaquille O’Neal on Monday went through his first full practice since injuring his left knee and said he expects to be back after an eight-week absence Friday against the Phoenix Suns at the Forum.
That is the earliest possibility, but hardly a certainty because doctors will first want to see how the joint responds. The only thing for sure was that O’Neal impressed during the 90-minute workout at the Forum that included full-court drills and extra running but no scrimmaging.
“He looks really good out there, running up and down the court,” Eddie Jones said. “His moves are getting back.”
Added Coach Del Harris: “He’s getting a little more fluid each time.”
Among other things.
“I’m not getting nervous, no,” O’Neal said. “I am getting anxious, though.”
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Playoff update: The Lakers are half a game behind Seattle for the lead in the Pacific Division and No. 2 in the Western Conference and have the tiebreaker edge. The Lakers are even with Houston for No. 3 in the West, but the Rockets have the tiebreaker.
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