Shaquille O'Neal dropped in on the last-place Lakers, soaked up a standing ovation, and split before his former team eked out a win over the Charlotte Bobcats.

If he had stuck around, O'Neal would have seen Kobe Bryant make two free throws with 7 seconds remaining for a 99-98 victory Sunday night.

O'Neal created a stir when he strode to his courtside seat during a timeout late in the second quarter. The quiet crowd suddenly erupted when O'Neal's smiling face was shown on the overhead screen.

"I didn't see him, but I heard the noise and wondered what was going on," coach Phil Jackson said. "It was great he came by."

O'Neal was in town ahead of Miami's game against the Clippers on Monday night. He is still recovering from a sprained ankle and left at halftime.