Los Angeles, CA (My Sportsbook) - Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal has been cleared to play for the first time this season and could return to the court as early as Friday, when the Lakers host the Chicago Bulls, according to a published report.

The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that O'Neal's agent, Perry Rogers, told the newspaper team doctors have cleared the three-time NBA Finals MVP to return to action. Los Angeles has struggled to a 3-8 start without their big man in the middle.

O'Neal began the season on the injured list recovering from surgery on his arthritic right big toe. The 7'1", 338-pounder underwent surgery to remove painful bone spurs at UCLA's Outpatient Surgery Center on September 11. He has been suffering from a case of sesamoiditis, a form of tendinitis in the area beneath the toe, ever since the operation.

The 30-year-old O'Neal has led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships, and played most of last season with pain in his right foot, missing 15 games.

The former LSU star will be entering his 11th season in the NBA, having also played with the Orlando Magic. He has averaged 27.6 points and 12.3 rebounds over his career.

O'Neal averaged 27.2 points and 10.7 rebounds last year.