O’Neal, Rambis Settle Differences

Shaquille O’Neal and Coach Kurt Rambis confirmed that there was some tension created when Rambis kept the center on the sidelines during two late-game situations, but Rambis and O’Neal added that they have cleared the air.

“I’m a player, Kurt is the coach, whatever he decides to do, I’ll always be behind him,” O’Neal said before Monday’s game.

“But keep in mind, in any relationship, we’re going to have arguments. I mean, I wouldn’t want to date anybody not having any arguments.”

O’Neal, a career 53.5% free-throw shooter and just about there this season, said he understands the concern with teams intentionally fouling him.

“Yeah, probably,” O’Neal said. “But I’d rather get the chance to prove myself. I’ve been in that situation before, and I’ve knocked them down. I want to prove myself.

“If I miss a shot and lose a game, I’ll take the blame. And I’ll come back and try to be better next game. But I’d rather be put in that position.”

Said Rambis: “We’re fine. He’s fine. I know where he’s coming from, he knows where I’m coming from. My ballplayers can speak their mind with me.”

After missing his first six attempts on Saturday, O’Neal was out early Monday shooting a few extra free throws, and said he was going back to trying to shoot like he did his first few seasons in the NBA.

“I realize I have to step that part of my game up,” O’Neal said.

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In a move that has been anticipated for a few weeks on this guard-thin team, rookie point guard Tyronn Lue was activated off the injured list.

Forward Travis Knight, who started the first 20 games of the season, was put on the injured list (left Achilles’ tendinitis) after not playing in four of the last five games.

TONIGHT vs. Utah, 7:30

Fox Sports West

* Site--Great Western Forum.

* Radio--KLAC (570 AM).

* Records--Lakers 23-12 ; Jazz 23-8.

* 1999 Record vs. Jazz--1-1.

* Update--The two rivals have each won in the other’s building this season. The Lakers begin a backstretch with six combined games against Portland and Utah.

* Tickets--Sold out.