LOS ANGELES -- Shaquille O'Neal and longtime girlfriend Shaunie Nelson were apparently to be married Thursday night, but the Los Angeles Lakers star did a good job of keeping details secret.

O'Neal refused comment after practice Thursday. But all indications were the wedding was scheduled late in the day.

"We know, and it's only for us,'' Lakers forward Mark Madsen said after the practice in nearby El Segundo.

"Since we didn't find out until the last minute what was going on, I didn't know it was black tie,'' Lakers guard Brian Shaw said. "I'll probably wear a black suit.''

Lakers team officials said they had no information. Calls to O'Neal's representatives in Los Angeles and Las Vegas weren't immediately returned.

Nelson and the 30-year-old O'Neal have two children together and two from prior relationships. They are expecting a boy in May.

The three-time defending NBA champion Lakers don't play again until Saturday night at Denver.