Shaquille

O'Neal

In an effort to punish the Lakers for getting rid of him, Shaq is probably going to report in better shape than he has the last few years. “They want me at 325,” O’Neal said. “When I met with Pat [Riley in July], I was at 355. I will be at 325 or below when I come to camp [in early October].”

Shaq has sat out the last two contests.

The Heat don’t believe Shaq will have to miss Friday’s exhibition game.

Miami lost to Houston 85-75, but Dwayne Wade also looked good with 12 points, five rebounds, five assists.

"[There’s] just a lot of pulling when I run. It’s still lingering. We don’t want to take something small and make it big,” said O’Neal of his hamstring injury. He’s expected to play, albeit cautiously.

Shaq’s status is now in doubt for Wednesday’s opener. We’re betting on him playing.

That won’t stop the rumors that Shaq plans to rest up for his Christmas Day reunion with the Lakers.

The Heat don’t play again until Thursday, so he would hopefully be ready to return for that game, although he says he’s not coming back until he’s 100%. If he’s not 100% by Thursday, it may be time for his owners to start getting a little worried.

Shaq’s former knee and toe ailments have mended, and he doesn’t expect the tender heel to keep him from missing any practices.

O’Neal rode a stationary bicycle through Friday night’s scrimmage and was again on a fitness machine Saturday. He appears to be day-to-day.