Security Is Guaranteed for Bennett, Seals

One of the days they had been waiting for, along with any that includes playing time, came without either Mario Bennett or Shea Seals realizing it.

Today, barring an unexpected decision by the Lakers, both their contracts become guaranteed for the rest of the season, a welcome financial security blanket for a 12th man (Bennett) and someone who has spent all season on the injured list (Seals). And they didn’t even know the moment had arrived.

“I haven’t given it much thought,” Bennett said. “But it is something where you could just take a deep breath.”

A round of heavy sighs on the house.

“It really is [a relief],” Seals said. “It’s felt good being here and it feels good to know I’ll probably be here the rest of the year.”

Seals, the rookie guard from Tulsa, has been able to practice with the Lakers, but has yet to be on the active roster. Bennett, a forward who grew up in Inglewood and realized a dream by making the team, was averaging 3.8 minutes in 12 appearances before Friday night’s game against the Clippers.

*

Doctors have again lifted all time restrictions on Shaquille O’Neal, a decision that comes with the expected appreciation of Coach Del Harris, now able to make lineup changes based on the situation and not the clock.

“That’s good,” Harris said. “Now we can try to build on establishing a rhythm between him and the other players.

“There are two things you hate to have dictate minutes. One is injury and the other is foul trouble. You want to be able to substitute and allocate playing time out of feel and need in the game.”

*

Chick Hearn, scheduled to announce his 3,000th consecutive game on Jan. 19, was saluted by the Clippers at halftime of Game 2,996. Clipper play-by-play man Ralph Lawler led the brief tribute, and fans in the Sports Arena responded with a standing ovation.