Closs Finally Has His Big Meeting

Rookie center Keith Closs Jr., a lifelong Laker fan, was looking forward to meeting Laker center Shaquille O’Neal in Friday’s exhibition loss to the Lakers at St. Louis.

“It was the most nervous experience I’ve ever had,” Closs said. “He’s such a monster of a man. I didn’t realize how big he was until during warmups. I’m 7-3 and he’s 7-1, but I weigh 220 pounds and he weighs 330.

“That was the most intimidating thing for me at first, but once I got out there I said, ‘Hey, he’s just like anyone else. He has a little bit more to bring, but who cares, I’m going to show him what I have.’ ”

Closs had 14 points, but O’Neal had 26 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes.

There wasn’t much conversation between the two.

“The only thing we said to each other was, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ Besides a nod of acknowledgment, that was it.

“It didn’t bother me at all that he didn’t speak. We’re getting ready for war. I wouldn’t want him to want to speak to me either.”

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Guard James Robinson, who hasn’t played because of a foot injury, is scheduled to undergo a MRI test today. . . . Forward Loy Vaught, who sat out three exhibition games because of back spasms, returned to practice Saturday night and Coach Bill Fitch hopes he’ll play in one of the Clippers final two exhibition games.