Bill Plaschke

No guarantees with Vujacic, the Lakers' Machine

As series with Utah gets tight, Lakers need the hot-and-cold Sasha Vujacic to keep things loose, and to hit a few key jumpers in the bargain.
Bill Plaschke
May 11, 2008
SALT LAKE CITY -- To fully appreciate the achievements of most Lakers legends, one needs to pore through thick media guides and mammoth record books.

Sasha Vujacic, on the other hand, stars on .

 
"I try to bring a different energy to this team, you know?" he says.

Type in "“Sasha Vujacic anger.

Up pops a video of a peeved Kobe Bryant elbowing Vujacic on the bench.

"Kobe and I understand each other better now," Vujacic says.

Type in

Up pops a video of Andrew Bynum loudly cursing Vujacic on the court.

"We are growing up together as a team," Vujacic says.

Type in "

Up pops a video of Bryant making fun of Vujacic's nickname after a tough shooting night, claiming the "Machine" needs new batteries.

"Please, please, write that I did not give myself that nickname," Vujacic says.

Type in

Up pops a video of Vujacic wandering into the Cleveland Cavaliers' sideline huddle during a timeout to steal their next play.

"I want to win, and whatever it takes, that is what I bring," he says.

You want more? With Sasha Vujacic, there's always more.

Type his name with "elbow" and witness a peeved New York Knick named Renaldo Balkman whacking the pesky Vujacic in the face.

Type his name with "choke" and see Carmelo Anthony literally choking him.

"People seem to love me or hate me," Vujacic says.

Or both, all at once, which seems to be the Lakers' stance during his four years with the team.





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