Shaq Restless, Hoping to Return

The considerable experience at this waiting-game thing--thanks to a thumb injury in 1995-96 and a knee injury in 1996-97--hasn’t helped. So it is a restless and sometimes frustrated Shaquille O’Neal who enters what he hopes are the final days before his return.

“I’m ready to take a flagrant [foul],” he said.

But seriously . . .

“No,” O’Neal countered, straight-faced. “I’m serious.”

Tonight marks three weeks, and 10 games, since his last appearance, and maybe the last game before he at least is able to practice. The next public update on the strained abdominal muscle from Dr. Steve Lombardo is scheduled for Thursday, and if the Laker team physician gives clearance for a return, and if the clearance comes early enough in the day, O’Neal could make the workout.

At the same time, there is nothing to indicate approval is forthcoming. And even if it comes, the all-star center might not practice until Saturday and may not play until Tuesday, after two more games.

“It’s been frustrating sitting out,” O’Neal said. “But I’m proud of the guys.

“I just don’t think about it too much. I just have to get through the bad times. People can always get through the good times. You have to be able to deal with the bad. I’m mentally strong. It isn’t anything but a test.”

TONIGHT

at Golden State

* 5

* Channel 9

Site--Oakland Coliseum Arena.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 15-4, Warriors 2-15.

Record vs. Warriors--1-0.

Update--What should have been a breather has turned into a test of Laker intensity, coming as it does on the heels of the first two-game losing streak. The test tonight will be not only to beat the Warriors, but to beat them badly. That’s what happened Nov. 9 at the Forum, a 132-97 Laker victory that was part of the buildup to Golden State’s current place in the news, as Coach P.J. Carlesimo became angered at seeing Latrell Sprewell laughing on the bench.