Shaq’s playing status game-time decision

El Segundo, Calif. ” Shaquille O’Neal could make his season debut tonight, but if he plays he probably won’t start the Lakers’ home game against the Chicago Bulls.

O’Neal received a shoe support from his doctor Thursday to ease the pressure on his arthritic right foot, and he wore the device at practice.

“He said everything was OK,” O’Neal said. “I played today, and I felt pretty good. We’ll just see (today). Tonight is the true test, when I’m sleeping.”

Lakers spokesman John Black said O’Neal’s availability will depend on how he feels after the morning shootaround.

“We’ll just hold our breath until and find out what it’s like and see how he responds after this practice,” coach Phil Jackson said. “He’s had some swelling a little bit after practice, and he’s had some soreness, but he doesn’t have soreness while he’s running, and that’s the positive aspect.”

Jackson said if O’Neal does return, he would play only about 24 minutes and probably would come off the bench.

Jackson said he urged O’Neal not to rush back, even though his presence would help the struggling NBA champions, who are off to a 3-9 start. They’ve lost seven of eight games and are last in the Pacific Division.

O’Neal had surgery on his arthritic right big toe Sept. 11. At the time, he was expected to be out six-to-eight weeks.

Campbell practicing with Hornets

New Orleans ” Hornets center Elden Campbell has returned to full practice for the first time since the team moved to New Orleans and is expected to play Saturday in Cleveland.

Campbell, a 13-year veteran, has been sidelined after undergoing surgery on his left knee to remove loose particles in October.

Campbell moved without limitations on his first day back Wednesday, but coach Paul Silas wants to work Campbell back into the lineup slowly. Campbell is expected to miss tonight’s home game against the New York Knicks.