O’Neal’s Status Still Uncertain

Shaquille O’Neal did not play against the Denver Nuggets Saturday, just as he feared the day before. He has a mild sprain on the outside of his left ankle, which has aggravated his Achilles’ tendon, as well.

When he arrived at Pepsi Center, Coach Phil Jackson asked, and O’Neal told him, “Hey, I can’t bend [it].”

He spent the game, the first he has missed this season, in the locker room, where he received treatment.

Leaving the arena after the Lakers lost to the Nuggets, 87-86, O’Neal was asked if he might play tonight against Chicago at Staples Center. He shook his head. Whether that meant “I’m not playing” or “I’m not saying,” everyone will know today.

O’Neal suffered the injury in Sacramento Thursday. If he does not play tonight, he would have five days of healing before Wednesday’s game against Golden State.

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Jackson said he has noted recent subtle changes in Kobe Bryant, acknowledging it is possible Bryant is fed up with the second-guessing that threatens to suffocate his electric personality.

The criticism has appeared to come from all sides, according to Jackson, from the media, to teammates to Jackson himself.

“Just his demeanor [is different],” Jackson said. “More sober, perhaps. More reserved. Then, he’s always reserved, so there’s not as big a difference.”

This, barely a week after Bryant pledged to have more fun.

“He walks the edge. Some nights he’s in balance. Some nights he’s over the edge. It’s a focus thing. I’m not worried or concerned about it. It’s a matter of staying true to the course.”

In the long term, Jackson said, “He has his own plan. He knows what the model behavior is.”

And no one, of course, fears that the criticism will sap Bryant’s hell-bent-for-winning nature.

“I’ve never seen Kobe not be aggressive,” Jackson said.

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Greg Foster, who played 49 minutes over nine games before O’Neal came up lame, started at center.

Left out of the regular rotation for the first two weeks, Foster has used practices to maintain his wind. But, there is nothing like game speed. He did approach his new duties with a sense of humor.

“Of all the games, it has to be in Denver,” he said, smiling. “It couldn’t have been at sea level?”

A backup for much of his career, Foster maintained he would be ready when Jackson called.

“I’ve been there before,” he said. “Done it a million times.”

Foster also assumed he would not be expected to match O’Neal’s numbers.

“If I give them 34 [points] and 19 [rebounds],” he said, grinning, “I want a new deal.”

TONIGHT

vs. Chicago

6:30, Channel 9

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 6-4, Bulls 1-8.

* Record vs. Bulls (1999-2000)--2-0.

* Update--The Bulls might have to strain to reach 17 victories, last year’s total. They have lost four in a row after Saturday’s drubbing at Utah. Elton Brand was averaging 15.5 points and 10 rebounds, and Ron Mercer was averaging 14.8 points. O’Neal went to the free-throw line 31 times against the Bulls in last year’s game at Staples Center. Three Bulls fouled out and the Lakers won, 103-95.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.