O’Neal Out for at Least Five Games

Unable to bear further pain in his feet and becoming less mobile by the game, Laker center Shaquille O’Neal went on the injured list Tuesday. He will miss at least five games.

O’Neal often limped in the first two months, particularly after games and heavy practices. Though he held his average at 26 points and 11.5 rebounds, he lacked his usual energy.

He had August surgery to correct a claw-toe deformity on his small left toe, and then developed soreness in his right big toe, which is arthritic. Recently, he experienced further pain in his left foot, and he will undergo an MRI today to determine the cause.

“It may just be a strain,” team physician Steve Lombardo said.

In the meantime, the emphasis appears to be on the right big toe, rendered stiff by the arthritis. Rest could help and surgery is a possibility, but a distant option.

“The worst scenario would be that it’s very persistent and he feels like it’s really impacting his ability level,” Lombardo said. “There is a surgery that can be done. I don’t think it’s going to come to that.”

Before going to the injured list, O’Neal guessed he would require a game or two away, along with a slight adjustment in his medication.

“I need new drugs,” he said.

The team announced the roster move near game time, and O’Neal left afterward before answering questions. Jelani McCoy was activated from the injured list.

When he is eligible to return, O’Neal will have missed games against Philadelphia, Golden State, Toronto, Houston and Denver.

O’Neal had the same condition about two years ago, and played through it.

“Why it flares up, no one really knows,” Lombardo said. “It’s related to his activity, but it could disappear in the same fashion that it came.

“It’s been bothering him for a time. He’s a pretty tough guy and it just gradually got to the point where it bothers him that he doesn’t feel like he can play effectively.”

O’Neal appears to be carrying more weight than usual. Lombardo insisted that O’Neal’s heft would not cause the recent problems, particularly with regard to the arthritis.

“I think his weight is pretty stable,” he said. “I don’t think that’s an issue with this. I think if he was 120 pounds, it would still be a problem.”

The public is invited to Staples Center today to sign one of two get-well cards for Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn. The Star Plaza on the main concourse will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TONIGHT

at Golden State

7:30, Channel 9

Site--The Arena in Oakland

Radio--KLAC (570)

Records--Lakers 20-4, Warriors 11-17.

Record vs. Warriors--2-0.

Update--The Lakers beat the Warriors twice by 16 points at Staples Center. The Warriors are 3-2 since Coach Dave Cowens was fired and replaced in the interim by Brian Winters. Antawn Jamison averaged 21.7 points in his last six games.