Posted Jul 2 2009 2:04AM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal took his first look at his new basketball home.
The 15-time All-Star center toured the Cavaliers' suburban practice facility and took his physical on Wednesday, one day before he is formally introduced as superstar LeBron James' newest teammate.
O'Neal and a small group of associates met briefly with Cavs coach Mike Brown and others at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio. The Cavaliers are hoping O'Neal, who has won four NBA titles, can be the missing piece to help James win his first championship and end the city's title drought dating to 1964.
The Cavaliers have scheduled a 1 p.m. news conference on Thursday to welcome O'Neal. He was acquired in a trade with the Phoenix Suns last week.
It is not known if James, who was vacationing outside the country when O'Neal was traded, will be at the news conference. The league MVP was in Los Angeles last Sunday for the BET Awards.
O'Neal, who will wear jersey No. 33 -- his high school and college number -- in Cleveland, is staying at a posh downtown hotel during this visit. He hasn't decided if he will buy a house, rent or stay in a hotel during his time with the Cavaliers, his fifth NBA team.
Cleveland is the first cold-weather city where O'Neal has played after stops in Orlando, Fla., Los Angeles, Miami and Phoenix.
O'Neal has one season left under contract, but the 37-year-old center recently indicated on his Twitter page that he can play three more seasons.
 | Jeremy Lin's Numbers Steve Smith and Rick Kamla take a closer look at Jeremy Lin's numbers during his first few games with the Knicks. |
 | Kobe Puts It In Reverse Kobe Bryant drives baseline and gets the sweet reverse layup to go. |
 | Batum Flush Nicolas Batum drives straight down the paint and right over JaVale McGee. |
 | Gasol's Follow Pau Gasol follows the missed shot with a two-hand slam. |
 | Gasol to World Peace Pau Gasol gives the assist to Metta World Peace for the jam. |
 | Javale Dunk Jan Vesly kicks the ball to JaVale McGee for the easy slam. |
 | Suns vs. Nuggets Arron Afflalo scores 20 points to lead the Nuggets to a 109-92 win over the Suns. |
 | Rockets vs. Grizzlies Mike Conley scores 21 points, Rudy Gay adds 20 and the Grizzlies defeat the Rockets at home. |
 | Smoove Jam Josh Smith finishes the fast break with a huge slam. |
 | Hawks vs. Lakers: First half The Lakers have a 42-41 lead over the Hawks behind Andrew Bynum's 13 points. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner - SI Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
