O'Neal requests MRI on aching left heel ( 2003-10-14 08:56) (Agencies)
Shaquille O'Neal requested an MRI on his aching left heel Monday because it
hasn't improved since he injured it more than two weeks ago.
"I'm really not concerned at all about the injury," Los Angeles Lakers coach
Phil Jackson said. "I'm very surprised that he's got this type of an injury.
Those are things that usually are minor."
O'Neal participated in some half-court drills Monday, while Kobe Bryant only
ran a bit as he continues rehabbing from offseason knee surgery.
"It's a disappointment for Shaq, if he's worked as hard as we've heard he's
worked this summer to be in condition, that we haven't been able to build on
that conditioning for the season," Jackson said.
The Lakers will hold a shootaround Tuesday in El Segundo before heading to
San Diego for an exhibition game against Phoenix that night.
Jackson said he thinks O'Neal will play against the Suns. Bryant, however,
isn't expected to play. He has to be back in Colorado on Wednesday for the
second part of a preliminary hearing on the rape charges against him.
"Hopefully, he'll play a game before this week is up," Jackson said.
Bryant's next chance to get into his first preseason game will come Thursday
and Friday when the Lakers host Cleveland, Phoenix and the Clippers in a
four-team round-robin event.
Rookie Brian Cook will have surgery Tuesday to repair a fracture dislocation
of his left ring finger. He is expected to be out a minimum of six weeks.
Cook, a first-round draft pick out of Illinois, averaged 1.5 points, 2.5
rebounds and 1.5 assists in 12 minutes in two preseason games.
Horace Grant is finding that his comeback is tougher than expected. He rested
Monday because of a tight hip flexor, which Jackson attributed to "a little bit
of creakiness going on."
Grant, 38, hasn't played since being released by the Orlando Magic last
December. He played only five games with them last season.
"He'll find his way," Jackson said. "There may be situations where he'll miss
a game here or there."
