O’Neal Joins Practice for 15 Minutes

The recovery of Shaquille O’Neal continues to resemble climbing Mt. Everest. Every day is another step closer, but progress can seem incremental.

O’Neal, who is on the injured list while healing from off-season toe surgery, practiced with the team for about 15 minutes Saturday, running the full court at times, playing in the half court at other times. It was his second practice since the surgery.

Afterward, O’Neal -- who took himself out whenever he tired -- said there was no pain in the surgically repaired area, although “the bottom of my foot is hurtin’; hopefully it will go away.” He said he is more concerned with getting back into basketball shape than any setbacks with the toe.

“A lot of people like to come [into the season] in 100% basketball shape,” O’Neal said. “I like to come in about 85% and have something to work to. It’s easier for me to start at 85% and get to 100% than it is for me to come in at 100% and stay there. That’s been my secret. That’s why other guys wear out before I do.

“Right now I’m about 75%. A couple more sprints, a couple more days, and I think I’ll be all right. I want to give us at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in 25-30 minutes. If I can do that, I’ll be OK.”

O’Neal said he would be evaluated again this week. “[The doctors] say if I feel pain, don’t push it.”

Coach Phil Jackson is encouraged by O’Neal’s progress. “He looks good, he’s moving well. He’s still working on timing on some things, but his offense is going well.”

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Mark Madsen, recovering from a pulled hamstring, is a role player, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been missed.

Madsen still does not have a definitive return date and has been told to take it slowly.

“With a hamstring you have to be careful,” Madsen said. “I’ve been working out a little more each day. The key right now is to not get too gung-ho and be smart about it. But I feel I’m on schedule. I’m hoping I can return soon.”

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Kobe Bryant, who had the fourth triple-double of his career in Friday’s victory over the Clippers, had some swelling in the left ankle he had sprained against Portland on Wednesday and was held out of most of Saturday’s workout.

But Jackson said he expected Bryant to be ready for tonight’s game.

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TONIGHT

vs. Portland

6:30, Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570).

Record vs. Trail Blazers -- 0-1.

Update -- Phil Jackson is glad the Lakers get another shot at Portland so soon after the Trail Blazers ripped his team, 102-90. “We won three of the quarters the other night, but the quarter we lost was devastating,” Jackson said. “But that’s the challenge you keep offering your team -- go out and win the quarters, and worry about the score when it’s all over.” Tonight’s game will be the fourth in five nights for the Trail Blazers.