LAKERS NOTEBOOK: LAKERS: SHAQ BACK SOON.

Byline: Howard Beck Daily News Staff Writer

A day after revealing Shaquille O'Neal had added a fractured wrist to his strained abdomen, the Lakers announced that the oft-injured center could be ready to return to the team in early January.

O'Neal is continuing to improve from his abdominal injury and, if all goes as planned, he will begin practicing with the team again in about two weeks, the team said. He will probably practice several days before returning to game action.

Abdominal specialists in Vancouver, B.C., examined O'Neal on Tuesday and confirmed the earlier diagnoses of his condition by team physician Dr. Stephen Lombardo and an Anaheim specialist.

He will continue to undergo daily therapy under Lombardo's supervision.

By the time O'Neal's abdomen is ready to go, the hairline fracture in his right wrist should also be healed. O'Neal apparently suffered the wrist injury two weeks ago punching a heavy bag during a boxing workout, but the hairline fracture wasn't discovered until Monday, when O'Neal informed Lombardo, who had it X-rayed.

The wrist does not require a cast, and the injury does not prevent O'Neal from practicing on his own, including dribbling and shooting the basketball, the team said.

Rest for the weary: After an arduous five-game road trip, the Lakers have earned a short breather. They were off Tuesday, will practice today, have Christmas off, then play the Clippers on Friday night.

Most of the team welcomed the respite.

``We feel real good, real happy, confident, glad to get a few days off,'' said Nick Van Exel.

``With the flu running through the team, any rest or break will help,'' coach Del Harris said. ``We've paid some dues here. In the last roughly 30 days, we have had a six-games-in-nine (days), we've had a five-in-eight and a five-in-seven stretch. That's asking a lot of the team, particularly playing without a star player like Shaquille O'Neal. They've responded magnificently.''

Not everyone was thrilled to take a break, though.

``I hate breaks,'' said Rick Fox. ``I hate summer. There's nothing like playing basketball to stay in basketball shape. When you step away from the court, you lose a little of that rhythm.''

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PHOTO SHAQUILLE O'NEAL

Injured Lakers center will likely return to practice in early January.