The Lakers signed free-agent center Peter Cornell, whom they hope can become a servicable backup to Shaquille O'Neal. A 1998 graduate of Loyola Marymount, the 6-foot-11 Cornell played for the Memphis and San Diego teams in the ABA 2000 last year, averaging 5.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 15.3 minutes in 38 games.

The Lakers gave Cornell a nonguaranteed one-year deal and will evaluate him further in training camp. But with Mark Madsen (wrist surgery) expected to start the season on the injured list, Cornell has a good chance of making the opening-day roster.