Rematch Ignites O’Neal’s Spirit

Shaquille O’Neal, who was ejected early in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ loss at Portland last month, made his point with tired eyes, but with crystal-clear focus.

“I’m going to go home, get some rest today, jump in that pool and the hot tub, get a massage,” O’Neal said after the Lakers’ short practice Thursday.

“I’m coming with it tomorrow. I’m coming tomorrow.”

The Lakers did not bother to couch their motivations heading into tonight’s rematch with the Trail Blazers, who have 14 victories, tied for most in the league.

“He’s going to come back with a vengeance in this game,” Coach Phil Jackson said of O’Neal, who had the opportunity to sit out the fourth quarters of the team’s last two blowout victories.

The Laker center said he didn’t care that Portland’s Jermaine O’Neal (no relation) was put on the injured list, although he had promised to even the score with the Portland big man after several hard fouls in the first meeting.

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Jackson said he’s in no rush to get Kobe Bryant, who returned Wednesday after a seven-week injury absence, into the starting lineup--it won’t be tonight--saying he will make the decision based on how well the team plays with Bryant.

“I don’t want guys just standing around and watching him play, I don’t want the movement to stop,” Jackson said. “I want him to kind of be able to blend his talents in with the team.”

TONIGHT

vs. Portland

7:30, Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 12-4, Trail Blazers 14-3.

* Record vs. Trail Blazers--0-1.

* Update--Jackson said it’s important to make a statement against the team he has already called the best money can buy. “Are they going to improve?” Jackson asked, rhetorically, about the Trail Blazers. “They’re going to have to improve to beat us in the course of the year, or else we’re going to overtake them.”

* Tickets--Sold out.