He’s a Truly Gifted Player

What do you give as a wedding gift to a man who makes about $17 million a year, plus endorsements, has three championship rings and worldwide acclaim?

Coach Phil Jackson says he has the ideal gift for center Shaquille O’Neal, but he’s not saying what it is.

O’Neal married Shaunie Nelson, mother of two of his children and pregnant with a third, on Thursday.

Teammate Mark Madsen isn’t sure what to get O’Neal.

“Do people give Santa Claus gifts?” O’Neal asked him.

“I don’t care,” Madsen said. “I want to give you something.”

The players have also taken up a collection for a team gift, still to be determined.

“Hopefully,” said Rick Fox, “it will be something Shaunie will like.”

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Center/forward Samaki Walker, diagnosed with severe tonsillitis Friday, will be further evaluated today and a decision may be made on surgery.

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TONIGHT

vs. Toronto, 6:30, FSN

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Lakers 12-19, Raptors 8-21.

Record vs. Raptors -- 1-0.

Update -- The Raptors, who have lost five in a row and nine of their last 10, are limping along without Vince Carter (strained right knee), Antonio Davis (swollen right knee), Eric Montross (fractured foot) and Lamond Murray (torn ligament, right leg).

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-- Steve Springer