Van Exel Moves Closer to Return

The bad news for the Lakers on the Nick Van Exel front is that his left knee hurts, even after a month off.

The good news is that it hurts more than the right knee, which is the one he had arthroscopic surgery on last month.

Van Exel is working toward a return to action Sunday at Vancouver and he went through an informal workout Friday.

The all-star point guard, who last played Feb. 15, reported no problems after playing half-court two-on-two with teammates Mario Bennett and Shea Seals and assistant coach Kurt Rambis for about an hour and doing some shooting. Coach Del Harris, who watched, was equally encouraged.

“He did fine,” Harris said. “You really could not distinguish any difference between him and the other guys playing. He didn’t show any signs of pain or weakness.”

A more telling read is scheduled today, when Van Exel takes part in a full practice. If he does well, he will be activated to play against the Grizzlies.

“That’ll be the big test,” Van Exel said. “But I’m ready for it. I’m anxious to get back. Now that it’s here, I’m excited to get back with the fellas.”

When that time comes, it will be as the backup to Derek Fisher, probably for a few games as Van Exel regains necessary stamina. He will get the starting job back, although Harris has said Fisher, having played so well as the temp, will continue to have a prominent role.

When Van Exel is activated, Seals’ back will start hurting again, so much that he will need to go on the injured list.

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Shaquille O’Neal got a kick out of the Clippers not only offering single coverage for part of the fourth quarter Thursday night, but doing so with Keith Closs, a center of some promise but also a center of about 100 fewer pounds.

“I got to showcase a little more of what I can do,” O’Neal said. “I’ve got 50 deadly, venomous moves down there. When I’m double- and triple-teamed, I can’t use them.”

And just to make sure everyone got the point, he continuously shot glances after baskets at friend Pooh Richardson on the Clipper bench.