O’Neal Says Yao Good for Game

PHOENIX â€”  Out of the shower, finally, Shaquille O’Neal said Wednesday he’s delighted to have been selected by coaches to participate in the All-Star game, then dismissed claims Yao Ming outdrew him in China and North America.

O’Neal is a reserve for the second time in his career, in nine All-Star appearances, and apparently will play in the game for the first time in three years. He had been injured in three of the last five games, on the bench but in street clothes.

According to reports throughout the voting, which was open for the first time in China via the Internet, O’Neal lost to Yao in the paper vote, as well.

“Sure I did,� O’Neal said with sarcasm. “I doubt that. I doubt that highly.

“He’s from a small town in China with 16 million people. You can’t compete with that.�

Other than that, O’Neal said again that he appreciated Yao.

“I think what’s going on now with the All-Star game is good for the game,� he said. “New faces, good for the game. People know who the M.D.E. is.�

That would be “Most Dominant Ever.�

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Still the Lakers’ best chance to upgrade their front line, Horace Grant remains in Orlando, Fla., and is undecided about extending his career in the NBA or with the Lakers, according to those who know him.

The Lakers remain interested in Grant, who, considering his knowledge of the triangle offense and the season he spent in Los Angeles, would be a seamless addition.

“We do know that our bench is not giving us a thing,� Phil Jackson said Wednesday. “We’ve got to have something out there other than sustained effort. They’ve got to come in and score. They’ve got to be defensive stoppers.�

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So, Robert Horry entered Wednesday’s game in the first quarter and in seconds hoisted his first shot, which missed.

“Rob,� Jackson bellowed from the sideline, “is that too quick?�

“No,� Horry shouted.

“Why not?�

“You wanted more scoring off the bench!�

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The Lakers have changed hotels in Sacramento, a move team officials said would have been made even without the cheeseburger incident of the 2002 Western Conference finals.... Kareem Rush (hamstring) dressed but did not play. He is questionable for Friday’s game against the Kings.