Expletive scrawled on ball O’Neal used for 20,000th

Los Angeles — The Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal left Sacramento with a spoiled souvenir of his 20,000th career point — someone scribbled an insulting expletive on the ball used when he reached the milestone.

The unknown culprit apparently got to that game ball sometime after Lakers public relations director John Black had grabbed it just before halftime of the rival Kings’ 107-99 victory over Los Angeles Thursday night.

O’Neal, booed by the Sacramento crowd at halftime when his accomplishment was announced, said he hoped no one connected with the Kings’ organization was responsible.

Bulls activate Robinson, place Bagaric on IL

Chicago — The Chicago Bulls activated forward Eddie Robinson Saturday and put reserve center Dalibor Bagaric on the injured list with a sprained left ankle.

Robinson has appeared in 53 games for the Bulls.