LAKERS NOTEBOOK: WEBBER HEADING TO DETROIT.

Byline: ROSS SILER Staff Writer

The Lakers' courtship of Chris Webber ended Monday when the free-agent forward decided to sign with the Detroit Pistons, opting for the comforts of home instead of the comforts of the triangle offense.

``Joining the Pistons will allow me the opportunity to play the game I love in my hometown of Detroit surrounded by my family,'' said Webber, who led Michigan to two NCAA championship game appearances.

Webber talked Saturday with Lakers coach Phil Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak. Although the Lakers were unable to make assurances about the role Webber would play, Jackson said he did not think that was the deciding factor.

``I think he was perfectly comfortable with whatever plan we had for him,'' Jackson said.

The Lakers will have a crowded frontcourt once Lamar Odom returns from a sprained knee ligament later this month. Luke Walton starts at the other forward spot, with Vladimir Radmanovic and Brian Cook expected to fight for minutes off the bench.

By signing with Detroit, Webber likely will start at center alongside Rasheed Wallace. Webber, who was released by Philadelphia last week, has started all but two games in his 14-year NBA career.

``I hope he feels like he made the right decision for himself,'' Jackson said. ``I know that we talked a little and had a good conversation. It felt like he was going to have a tough time making the decision. He obviously made one that was comfortable for him.''

Shaq's return: Shaquille O'Neal missed his 31st consecutive game Monday and continues to recover from Nov. 19 surgery on his left knee. But O'Neal took part in a full-contact practice Sunday and expects to return this week or next.

Miami's acting coach, Ron Rothstein, said O'Neal might be able to play Thursday but added that it was unlikely. The Heat will play seven games in 10days after they return from this trip, leaving little practice time for O'Neal.

``It's up to him,'' Rothstein said. ``He's got to tell me. And when he comes and says, `I'm ready to play,' he's going to play.''

Brown update: Although center Kwame Brown said Thursday his sprained left ankle wouldn't be re-evaluated for another two weeks, Jackson said the training staff was encouraged enough to consider bringing Brown on the Lakers' three-game trip this week.

``They've been positive enough about it,'' Jackson said. ``He's been doing a lot of forward running, a lot of lateral movement. So that's been the positive part.''

Brown suffered the injury Dec. 31 and was expected to be out about four weeks. Jackson said Odom still is closer to returning than Brown.