DETROIT — The Lakers are still thinking of Shaquille O’Neal, even if the coaches voting for the All-Star Game aren’t. O’Neal’s streak of 14 consecutive All-Star selections ended with word of the reserves selected Thursday, and it doesn’t seem as if O’Neal’s sore hip will be healed by the time the Lakers play at Miami on Feb. 10.
But Lakers coach Phil Jackson suggested the club delayed re-signing center DJ Mbenga to another 10-day contract until Friday so the Lakers could have Mbenga for later on. Delaying the re-signing pushes Mbenga’s next 10-day contract through Feb. 10, when the Lakers visit Miami. After the second 10-day contract expires (a third 10-day deal isn’t allowed), the Lakers are expected to let Mbenga go and wait for Chris Mihm’s return.
Jackson said Mihm’s return from his sore right ankle is planned for sometime after the All-Star break. So if Mbenga re-signs Friday, the Lakers would be without him (or Mihm) for the last games of this trip at Charlotte and Minnesota. But the Bobcats and Timberwolves aren’t very big or imposing teams.
Get rid of Lamar.Certainly there has got to be a better player on the market.The airball last night was totally kid like.He look like a kid that is playing youth basketball.I guess he doesn’t know that he is a PRO, and I use the word loosely.He has got to go!!!!!!!