If O'Neal got injured mid-season and took a break for a month or two, it wouldn't be a big deal. At this time, Del Harris understands why the Magic were unfriendly to O'Neal last season.
What does it matter how well Anfernee Hardaway leads the team early on? What does it matter if he steals Jordan's Player of the Month award? When O'Neal comes back, won't they have to start integrating all over again?
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When the news of O'Neal getting injured from training fatigue was announced, the media's reporting was straightforward, expressing disbelief about the Lakers' stated reason for the injury.
Some media speculated that the Lakers' explanation was false because O'Neal has always been perceived as lackluster.
