Shaquille O'Neal can add "The Fonz" to his lengthy list of nicknames.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers' 109-89 victory versus the Raptors yesterday, O'Neal was asked if his return to the lineup discourages rivals from driving to the basket.

"Correct-amundo," O'Neal said, bringing to mind Arthur Fonzarelli from the 1970s TV show Happy Days.

These indeed are happy days for the Lakers, with O'Neal back on the court after recently spending five games on the injured list because of some sore toes. The gun-shy Raptors shot only five free throws yesterday -- and one of them was a technical foul -- as the 7-foot-1, 315-pound O'Neal roamed the paint.

"Guys can penetrate and get to the basket, but having Diesel (O'Neal) back there is an intimidation factor," Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said.

Bryant also had plenty to do with the win. He scored 31 points and took over the game near the end of the third quarter, after perturbed Lakers coach Phil Jackson had challenged his charges to put away the home side.