Contract Status: Restricted free agent
After years of being labeled an “11:00 a.m. shooter” by teammates and coaches, Vujacic finally provided the long range shooting proficiency the Lakers thought they were getting when they first drafted the guard nearly four years ago. In 18 minutes of play, Sasha averaged a career-high nine point per game, while shooting 44% from the field and a deadly 41% from beyond the arc. However, Vujacic not only ignited the Lakers’ offense off the bench, but also its defense as the pesky guard was tasked with defending some of the league’s preeminent point guards and shooting guards. Similar to fellow bench mate Farmar, Coach Jackson showed incredible trust in Sasha down the stretch of the season, often sliding Kobe into the three spot to accommodate Vujacic’s clutch shooting.
If Sasha and the Lakers are able to reach an agreement on a new contract, Vujacic’s role as an energetic sixth or seventh man will likely remain the same. With Kobe firmly entrenched at the shooting guard spot and the Fisher/Farmar tandem working well at point guard, Sasha will once again be relied upon to fill in the gaps at either position. Assuming his stellar outside shooting wasn’t a one year aberration, Vujacic’s two biggest concerns heading into next year are improving his decision-making skills and overall consistency.
In his exit interview Center Chris Mihm expressed an intent to exercise his player option, giving the Lakers ten players under contract.
Those ten players are:
Kobe Bryant
Andrew Bynum
Pau Gasol
Derek Fisher
Jordan Farmar
Luke Walton
Lamar Odom
Vladimir Radmanovic
Trevor Ariza (exercised player option to stay with the team)
Chris Mihm (when he exercises his option)
They also have two restricted free agents in Ronny Turiaf and Sasha Vujacic.
When talking to the media last week General Manager Mitch Kupchak took a “they’re ours to lose” approach to the pair.
“Both players are restricted free agents, so we can’t lose either player. Ultimately it will be our choice if a player did not return,” said Kupchak.
Under NBA rules a restricted free agent’s original team has the right to match any offer extended to him during the free agency period. The Lakers will also have to look at luxury cap considerations when deciding who to bring back. The team is projected to be over next season’s luxury tax threshold and would have to pay a dollar-to-dollar penalty for money spent over the limit.
The following players from the 2007-2008 playoff roster are unrestricted free agents:
Ira Newble
DJ Mbenga
The Lakers hold the option with Coby Karl and he is expected to play for the team’s entry in the Las Vegas Summer League.
What Went Right:
• Kobe had his best shooting night of the series so far, making 12-20 shots en route to a game-high 36 points. Moreover, the MVP came through when it mattered most, making critical buckets in the final three minutes of the game to seal the victory for the Lakers.
• While Bryant’s effort was important, Boston Coach Doc Rivers said that Sasha’s 20 point outburst was the key to the game. Vujacic was similarly clutch too, making the biggest three pointer of his life with just under two minutes to go to create some distance from the Celtics.
• The Lakers played stellar defense on Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, holding the star duo to a combined 8-35 shooting and 19 points. After the game, Coach Jackson singled out Kobe for his defense on Pierce in particular, holding the forward to a series low six points.
• After dishing out 16 assists in Game 2, Rajon Rondo suffered an injured ankle that is threatening his status for tonight’s Game 4. In Game 3, the young Celtics guard only scored eight points to go along with four assists and wasn’t much of a factor on offense.
Continue reading ‘The Finals Game 3: What Went Right/Wrong’
After losing the first two games of The Finals on the road, the Lakers–Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic in particular–finally put their stamp on the series, coming through with a much-needed Game 3 win 87-81 over the Celtics.
The Lakers MVP dominated Boston’s defense down the stretch of the fourth quarter on his way to a game-high 36 points to go with seven rebounds. However, it was the unexpected 20 point contribution from reserve Sasha Vujacic that propelled L.A. to their first win of The Finals.
After the game, Celtics Coach Doc Rivers praised Bryant’s clutch all-around effort, but gave even more credit to one of the most unlikely Lakers heroes.
“Kobe was fantastic tonight, but I thought Vujacic was the key to the game,” said Rivers of Sasha’s 7-10 shooting performance, including a game-clinching three pointer with 1:15 remaining.
“He believes in himself very sincerely that he’s going to make the next one, and you have to be that way if you’re going to have the guts to go out there and do it,” said Jackson. “Sasha is always going to make the next shot. That one might have been off, but the next one is going in.”
Continue reading ‘The Finals Game 3: Post-Game’
The reign of the San Antonio Spurs is over after the Lakers mounted a furious rally from 17 points down to win 100-92. The victory not only eliminated the Spurs four games to one, but sent L.A. to their first NBA Finals in four seasons.
After the game, Coach Jackson made sure to congratulate the Spurs for a noble attempt at defending their championship trophy.
“First of all, let me say a heartfelt congratulations to the Spurs for their run this season,” said Jackson. “They put a lot of dedication into it. I know how difficult it is when you have gone through the duration of seasons they’ve had to keep that energy going.”
Although Jackson played Kobe more minutes than he would have liked, the Lakers needed every one of the MVP’s game-high 39 points.
Continue reading ‘WCF Game 5: Lakers vs. Spurs Post-Game’
Although Sasha Vujacic’s always been considered one of the team’s best shooters, after holding Manu Ginobili to just 10 points in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, he’s quickly earning a new title: defender.
After practice today, Kobe said that Vujacic takes pride in slowing down opposing teams’ top players such as Ginobili.
“He’s really developed as a defensive player,” said Bryant, once one of Vujacic’s toughest critics. Bryant added that Sasha has really grown into his role this season after the team wasn’t entirely sure whether or not he was better suited at point guard or at shooting guard in his first few seasons in the league.
Lamar Odom said that, “Sasha’s fun to be around. He has great energy on and off the court.”
Down by 20 points in the third quarter, the Lakers clawed their way back for an 89-85 win in a game that will no doubt go down as one of the best playoff comebacks in team history.
After an especially quiet first half in which both Coach Jackson and Greag Popovic acknowledged that Kobe was finding his game, Bryant responded in true MVP fashion, taking over the game in the fourth quarter on his way to 27 points and nine assists.
“It was a great opportunity and we didn’t take advantage of it and it hurts like hell,” said Popovic after the game.
Jackson said that the early 6:00 p.m. start time played a role in the team’s sluggish first half as they did not fully wake up until around 7:45 p.m.–the team’s normal start time for week night games. As a result, Jackson said he was forced to make several adjustments at halftime with his team trailing 51-43.
“They were fortunate to get a win,” said Jackson. “They almost gave up home court advantage to a great effort by the Spurs.”
Continue reading ‘Game 1: Lakers vs. Spurs Post-Game’
With Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals set to tip off tomorrow night, the Lakers talked about some of the matchups they’ll see against San Antonio.
As always with the Spurs, the conversation centered around former NBA Finals MVP Tim Duncan and what the team has to do to slow the center down.
“We’ve tried not to have to double team against Tim in the past knowing that so much of their offense relies on three point shooting from the perimeter and he’s a good passer that really breaks down the defense too,” said Coach Jackson. “But, there are always extenuating circumstances; people get in foul trouble and you have to start doing something to protect players to help your team out so there’s a chance we may have to double team him.”
Jackson said that the Lakers will initially throw Gasol at Duncan, adding that he expects the Spurs to go inside to Tim early and often.
“Without a doubt, he’s going to have to play him (Duncan),” said Jackson. “They’ll see what it’s like, they’ll test it out early to see if they can create a foul situation. That’s not unusual in that situation. We’ll probably do the same thing.”
Continue reading ‘Lakers Talk Matchups Against Spurs’
Ever wonder if the players can hear you when you’re at STAPLES Center screaming for them? The answer is yes they can and the louder you are the better.
There’s sentiment around the league that the Lakers enjoy less of a home court advantage than other teams because of the design of the arena, late arriving crowd or fans that are too used to finals appearances.
Let them think that, it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that the boys in Gold (or the white if it happens to be Sunday) feed off the support. So listen to Sasha and fire up the STAPLES Center for game two.
Click here to check out the rest of Sasha’s One-on-One
Lakers.com reflects on the team’s tremendous ’07-’08 campaign, doling out its end of the season awards.
Most Improved: Andrew Bynum
Prior to his knee injury mid-way through the season, the Lakers phenom was well on his way to a 
breakout season, carving his place as one of the NBA’s best up-and-coming big men. Although his averages of 13 points and 10 rebounds for the season are more than solid, #17 improved each month prior to his injury, capped off by his outstanding month of January in which he put up over 17 points and 12 rebounds a game. With no signs of slowing down any time soon, who knows where his numbers would have ended up this season had he not missed the final 46 games.
Most Surprising: Sasha Vujacic
Even though he was heading into a contract year, few experts or fans had any reason to expect 
much from the Slovenian guard. Once labeled an “11:00 a.m.” player by Coach Jackson, Sasha has shredded the title this season, finally becoming the sharpshooter the Lakers thought they signed four years ago, putting up nine points a game on 44% shooting from beyond the arc. Whereas only a season ago, Vujacic was one of the last men off of the bench, it is now not uncommon to see Sasha playing critical minutes as a key part of the Lakers’ rotation.
Most Disappointing: Luke Walton
With Odom injured at the start of last season, Kobe desperately needed a teammate that could help 
keep the Lakers afloat in the über competitive Western Conference. Enter: Luke Walton. For most of last season, the forward was arguably the second best player to don the purple and gold, finally combining his widely discussed basketball IQ with a vastly improved offensive repertoire. However, this season has brought on one disappointment after another for Walton as injuries and a lack of confidence have derailed much of the momentum he established last season. On the year, Luke is averaging only seven points and four rebounds.
Continue reading ‘End of Season Awards’
RSS Feed
