O’Neal Setting No Timetable

As the Lakers prepare for their first exhibition game Tuesday night at Bakersfield against the Clippers, the big news is still Shaquille O’Neal’s big toe.

O’Neal, recovering from toe surgery, shot free throws and did some light work on exercise equipment Saturday while his teammates went through a grueling 3 1/2-hour practice session at the Lakers’ training facility in El Segundo.

Although Phil Jackson said he remains hopeful that O’Neal might be ready for the Lakers’ regular-season opener Oct. 29 against San Antonio at Staples Center, O’Neal is more cautious than his coach. O’Neal won’t make any predictions.

“I’ll play when I’m pain free,” he said. “When that will be, I don’t want to say. I don’t want to say I’ll be ready at a certain time, and then not be.”

The Lakers began their practice session Saturday with weight work and stretching, then did a lot a scrimmaging, both half court and full court. They finished by doing three sets of wind sprints--two times up and back, then three times, then four.

Afterward, Jackson did not seemed particularly pleased with the practice session.

“It was OK,” he said, “but not as good as Friday’s. There was more play than execution, but that’s understandable this time of year.”

Jackson said he hopes the team shows more organization against the Clippers on Tuesday night.

“It’s a preseason game, but still people are paying money to see you,” he said.

Tickets for the game at Bakersfield’s Centennial Garden and Convention Center are priced from $10 to $150.

Jackson said Kobe Bryant and the regulars will play about half the game.

“I know the fans would like to see Kobe play 48 minutes, but he’ll probably play only 24,” Jackson said. “We’ve got to assess our young players.”

The game will be televised by Channel 9. For Paul Sunderland, who filled in for Chick Hearn for 56 games last year, this game will mark his first since being named the Lakers’ new full-time play-by-play announcer.

The Lakers will be back at their El Segundo training center for morning and afternoon practice sessions today.