O’Neal Is Feeling Better, but He Might Sit Out

Shaquille O’Neal says he still is experiencing pain from a bruise in his right thigh and he might sit out Miami’s game tonight at Washington.

“I’m getting very restless, but I’m not going to do anything to hurt the team,” O’Neal said. “I’m going to take my time.”

O’Neal missed a playoff game for the first time in his career Thursday night, a 102-95 victory that gave the Heat a 3-0 series lead over the Wizards.

“I feel a little bit better,” O’Neal said. “I want to be out there with the guys, but we’ll just have to see.”

*

Seattle forwards Rashard Lewis and Reggie Evans sat out practice because of injuries sustained in a Game 3 victory over San Antonio. Lewis sprained the big toe on his left foot and Evans had back spasms. Each player’s status will be determined at tipoff of Game 4 Sunday.

Seattle center Jerome James also spent part of the day clarifying comments he made after the victory. “Lord Jesus, please work my mouth for me,” James said before talking to reporters. James, who scored 15 points, said after the 92-91 victory, “We have no respect for them now -- none.”

What he meant, James explained, wasn’t how it came out.

“It was merely a statement made in passion, that we have to play disrespectfully,” James said. “We have to play like we’re the better team. We have to believe that. We have to come out with that attitude.”

*

Spencer Haywood successfully sued the NBA in a case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971, paving the way for teenagers to enter the draft. But Haywood -- of all people -- is in favor of raising the age limit.

“I would say [union director] Billy Hunter made a smart move if he did indeed raise it,” Haywood said. “He would give the fans what they really want, an age requirement. It would give players time to mature, and it also protects his veteran constituents.”

An age limit is one of the items to be discussed in collective bargaining talks. The league’s labor agreement expires June 30. Haywood became a pro after his sophomore season at Detroit, joining the American Basketball Assn.’s Denver Rockets.

“Those people who say LeBron James is the best ever at 19, they didn’t see me,” Haywood said.