Shaq Downplays Sequel With Yao

Yao Ming awaits. Shaquille O’Neal shrugs.

“Just another game for me,” he said.

Maybe.

O’Neal did not appreciate the publicity generated by Shaq-Yao I, Jan. 17 in Houston, when the national media descended to muse on the possibility that the rookie Yao, at 22, had arrived to be the league’s next great center. O’Neal, the current great center, was still in the room.

The Lakers and Rockets will play tonight in Houston, Yao playing better again after leveling off in the middle of the season, O’Neal the strongest he has been since preseason surgery.

“I’m the M.D.,” O’Neal said during a pass through the visitors’ locker room here. “I’ll be the M.D. for 10 years.”

Most Dominant.

“One game can’t take me off my throne,” he said.

O’Neal doesn’t dismiss Yao. In fact, he called him “G.C.,” then disappeared into the trainer’s room.

G.C.?

The door opened a crack.

“Good center,” he said.

*

If Bryant won’t consider taking a game or two to rest his ailing knees before the postseason, Coach Phil Jackson probably will attempt to shorten his minutes down the stretch.

The plan is contingent on the Lakers’ clinching a playoff spot, which they would prefer to do before the final week or two of the regular season.

*

TONIGHT

at Houston, 6 PST

ESPN, Channel 9

Site -- Compaq Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330), KIRN (670).

Records -- Lakers 40-30, Rockets 37-33.

Record vs. Rockets -- 1-2.

Update -- Kobe Bryant scored 52 points in the Lakers’ only victory over the Rockets, in double overtime Feb. 18 at Staples Center. Rocket guard Steve Francis averages 21.9 points and 6.2 assists. .