West Gives Jones Some Reassurance

Executive Vice President Jerry West talked to Eddie Jones on Friday and told his all-star shooting guard not to worry about the trade rumors that have been circulating, some ridiculous and some intriguing.

The most significant one would send Jones, and another player for cap purposes, to the Sacramento Kings for disgruntled Mitch Richmond. But that appears unlikely to gain momentum, although there is a good chance Richmond will be traded to another team soon, maybe even by the time the Lakers go to Arco Arena a week from tonight for their first road game.

“Does it bug me?” Jones said of the speculation. “I hear it, then sort of let it go out the other ear. I know this stuff happens. The only thing I can do is keep doing my job.

“Jerry called me in his office and talked to me about it. He said that it [rumors] is something every player hears, but not to worry about them. He always told me I could trust him.”

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Shaquille O’Neal had his follow-up examination with Dr. Steve Lombardo postponed until today, so an update on his strained abdominal muscle was not available Monday as originally planned.

It’s still uncertain whether O’Neal will be ready for the regular-season opener Friday, the Lakers not wanting to play him short of 100%. But he had improved enough to where he was able to do some light running and shooting at Monday’s practice.