Shaquille O'Neal expects to return to the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Sidelined three games because of a sore left knee and right big toe, O'Neal said following a light workout Thursday he plans on playing against the Blazers. "We're hopeful that he'll play," team spokesman John Black said. Black said forward-center Samaki Walker is doubtful because of a sprained right ankle. Walker was injured Wednesday night on the opening tip in the Lakers' 93-87 victory at Utah. O'Neal received treatment and shot free throws Thursday. Kobe Bryant also received treatment on his sore right knee. Bryant enters Friday night's game having scored 40 or more points in seven consecutive games and at least 35 in 11 straight, putting him fourth on both all-time lists. He has the longest streak of 40 or more since Michael Jordan accomplished the feat in nine straight games early in the 1986-87 season. Wilt Chamberlain holds both records, scoring 40 or more points in 14 straight games twice in the 1961-62 season and reaching 35 in 33 in a row that season. The Lakers have won nine of their past 11 games, including two of three without O'Neal.
