LAKERS O'Neal may return as early as Nov. 22 against Bulls

Shaq says watching his team lose to teams such as Atlanta hurts, too.
ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Help could be on its way for the Los Angeles Lakers as early as next week.
Shaquille O'Neal hinted Thursday that if his arthritic big toe feels better after seeing the doctor early next week, he could be back in uniform when the Lakers return from a two-day swing through Texas. If all goes well, his first game would be Nov. 22 against the Chicago Bulls.
"It's pretty good," O'Neal said of his big right toe. "The doctor said I'm making progress. Hopefully, I get to come back after the Texas trip."
O'Neal participated in Thursday's entire practice, running the floor and even dunking. He said he doesn't experience pain while he's moving around thanks to the adjustments made to the orthotics in his shoes. O'Neal said the pain comes afterward, and he might have to take painkillers when he plays.
"The doctor said that it [pain] could go away in a couple of weeks, maybe a couple of months, maybe never," O'Neal said.
O'Neal said the ache in his toe isn't the only pain he is experiencing lately. He said it hurts to watch the Lakers lose to teams such as Atlanta and see lesser players score easy layups.
"It's different when I'm out there and when I'm not out there," he said. "Guys have to do what they are supposed to do.
"Normally when I'm out there, I take up most of the attention so guys can move around freely. Right now guys have to play straight up and we don't have many guys on this team that can create their own shots.
"It's a different game for us right now, but reality will set in next week."
O'Neal, who will have missed the first 10 games, said he doesn't feel any pressure to rush back given the Lakers' woeful play lately. It's a matter of pride.
"I'd rather be at full strength when everybody else is coming at us full strength," he said. "We just have to see what happens next week, but it looks pretty good. All of this will be over soon."