Shaq Out at Least 10 More Days

Shaquille O’Neal saw an abdominal specialist Monday and had his timetable for a return slightly adjusted, to where he will be out a minimum of 10 days from this examination rather than 10 from days from Friday’s diagnosis.

The lingering injury has already cost O’Neal two games and part of the exhibition schedule. Now, barring an unexpected development, the soonest the all-star center could return is for the Dec. 5 rematch against David Robinson and the San Antonio Spurs at the Forum.

In the meantime, he will undergo twice-daily treatments.

*

Swoon over Miami:

When last the Lakers left Southern Florida, it was in a huff, stung by a 98-97 loss to the Heat on March 21 that held up as one of their most bitter of 1996-97, not to mention one of the most costly. Nick Van Exel said he thought the referees were on the take, later said he was joking, but the NBA brass didn’t get the humor and fined him $10,000.

Tonight, the Lakers go back to Miami Arena. Here’s a refresher course the Lakers say they don’t need: a hotly disputed non-call on a shot by Elden Campbell was followed by a loose-ball foul against Campbell that nullified a tipin and gave Willie Anderson two free throws that became the margin of victory with 17.4 seconds left.

“We definitely remember it,” Eddie Jones said. “I know Nick remembers it.”

Figure all the Lakers do.

TONIGHT

at

Miami

* 5 PST

* Channel 9, TNT

Site--Miami Arena.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 11-0, Heat 8-4.

Record vs. Heat (1996-97)--1-1.

Update--A Laker victory in the opener of a three-game Eastern swing will tie the franchise record for the best road start, 6-0. The 5-0 beginning already marks their best winning streak away from the Forum at any stage of a season since a seven-game run in 1995-96. Heat center Alonzo Mourning, recovering from knee surgery, could begin practicing the first week of December. Isaac Austin has played well in Mourning’s absence, averaging 18.5 points and 10 rebounds.