Shaq is back at it again

PHOENIX – Shaq is back.

Back in the West. Back on the court. Back as a starting center.

And back on the attack against the Lakers. Two particular Lakers.

Just like old times. But not quite.

Two weeks after being obtained by the Phoenix Suns from the Miami Heat for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks, Shaquille O’Neal said today he was sufficiently recovered from a hip injury and sufficiently schooled in his new team’s system and will make his debut Wednesday night.

O’Neal will return against the Lakers, the team he and Kobe Bryant led to three straight NBA titles. So, naturally, at practice today, O’Neal couldn’t resist taking a shot at the purple and gold.

Was he aiming at Bryant, his old nemesis and a favorite target in the past?

“He’s playing fabulous,” said O’Neal. “He is the best player in the league. He’s a tough guy to guard.”

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, who loves to needle O’Neal?

“He’s a jokester,” said O’Neal.

So who was O’Neal aiming at? Former Lakers centers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.

“I’ve probably only spoken two times to Mr. Kareem and once to Mr. Chamberlain,” said O’Neal, comparing them to former centers Bill Russell and Hakeem Olajuwon, who, according to O’Neal, continue to befriend him. “Coming in there, playing under [Abdul-Jabbar preceded by Chamberlain], I wanted at least to be on the same page… . It was vital that I had to make a name for myself in that organization. Why they don’t talk to me, I don’t know. I don’t have any hard feelings for them.”

Abdul-Jabbar was unavailable for comment. Chamberlain died in 1999.

Of greater concern to the Lakers than O’Neal’s words will be his deeds, with only the Suns ahead of them in the Pacific Division.

steve.springer@latimes.com