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--> --> Lakers put Shaquille O'Neal on injured list with a sore big toe LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal was placed on the injured list before Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers because of soreness in his big right toe. To replace the NBA's most dominant big man, the Lakers activated center Jelani McCoy from the injured list. The move means O'Neal will miss at least five games, starting with the Christmas night contest against the Philadelphia 76ers, a rematch of the NBA Finals last June. "He's had arthritis in his big toe for a long time," team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo said at halftime of Tuesday night's game. "It just recently flared up, an occupational hazard. "With this kind of sport - running, jumping, pushing off - it's more likely to flare up." Lombardo said treatment such as ultrasound, physical therapy, heat and ice, plus rest is the best way to deal with the problem. "There is a surgery that can be done for it," Lombardo said. "I don't think it'll come to that. It could disappear in the same fashion it appeared." Lombardo also said he didn't believe O'Neal's weight was an issue, saying a 120-pound person could have the same problem, and added he didn't believe the ailment was career threatening. The 29-year-old O'Neal is tied for fifth in the NBA in scoring with a 26.0-point average, and is fifth in rebounding with an 11.5 average. O'Neal has been hampered by soreness for several weeks, but didn't miss any of his team's first 23 games. O'Neal is also bothered by a sore left foot, for which he will undergo an MRI exam. "It seems to be irritated," Lombardo said. "It may just be a strain. We'll have more information (Wednesday)." O'Neal was replaced in the starting lineup against the 76ers by Slava Medvedenko. Kobe Bryant, who hadn't practiced since straining his ride side in a 114-108 loss at Memphis last Friday night, also started against the 76ers, and had only four points in the first half. He also had five rebounds and six assists in 22 minutes. The decision to place O'Neal on the injured list was made after Lombardo examined him about 45 minutes before the game. "There's basically nothing we can do with it, it's an arthritic toe," coach Phil Jackson said. "Let's see if rest helps it. "No one knows if there's no way it will get better. I wouldn't want to be in the playoffs with this situation. We could win four of five games with this group. I think we're good enough to do that." Before being examined, O'Neal said he wasn't concerned, adding: "Take a game or two off, I'll be back." O'Neal, eligible to be activated before the Lakers play host to Phoenix on Jan. 4, was obviously hampered against Memphis. The Lakers took Saturday off, and O'Neal didn't practice the following two days. "It was pretty obvious he wasn't playing the way he wants to play," Jackson said. "The defense aspect of it is probably the one thing that bothers him the most." O'Neal sat out eight games last season, but was at his best in the playoffs, when the Lakers went 15-1 to win their second straight championship. Samaki Walker, who starts at power forward but figures to play a lot of center while O'Neal is sidelined, said the Lakers have to play more aggressively in his absence. "It won't be easy, not having the Big Fella in there," Walker said. "Everybody's going to have to step up. Those are things you can't control, you've just got to play." Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing