Snowboard lesson costs $500,000

It was a difficult decision for the Lakers.

Do they fine Vladimir Radmanovic $1 million because of a snowboarding excursion gone awry, or do they fine him closer to $100,000 because he is under contract for four more seasons, underscoring the need for an agreeable relationship between player and franchise?

The Lakers landed somewhere in the middle and fined Radmanovic $500,000 for a violation of his contract, one of the biggest fines imposed by an NBA team on one of its players.

Radmanovic, 26, sustained a separated right shoulder while snowboarding in Park City, Utah, during the All-Star break. He initially claimed he hurt himself by slipping on a patch of ice while crossing the street after having coffee with a friend, but told team officials the truth a few days later. He had never snowboarded until that weekend and was injured when he flipped during a run on the slopes on Feb. 17.

Radmanovic, averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds, is out until mid- to late April because of his injury, a span of about 25 games.

The standard NBA contract bars players from taking part in activities that pose a significant risk, including skiing. The contract does not specifically mention snowboarding, but its similarity to skiing is what landed Radmanovic in trouble.

Radmanovic seemed thankful that the team did not try to void his contract, an option never seriously considered by the Lakers, who think they have a decent player at a fair price. Radmanovic signed a five-year, $30.2-million contract last July.

“That’s their legal right,” Radmanovic said when asked if his contract could have been voided. “They didn’t do it and I’m really grateful for that.”

Radmanovic was scheduled to make $5.2 million this season, which puts his fine at about 10% of his salary.

The NBA Players Assn. could not be reached for comment, but Radmanovic said he would not appeal the fine. The union probably would not intervene on his behalf because he does not want to appeal.

“It’s fair for what I did. I just want to move forward and try to get healthy and get back on the court,” Radmanovic said.

The Lakers had been debating for almost a week on a fair fine.

“We discussed internally among our coach, ownership and management a variety of disciplinary options and thought that this was the fairest and most appropriate action,” General Manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “We consider this a closed issue now and look forward to Vlade’s return to action, where he’ll be able to use his talents to help our team.”

When reached later, Kupchak declined to comment beyond his statement.

Radmanovic has been a disappointment in his first season with the Lakers. He sustained a sprained ligament in his right hand during the exhibition season and never seemed to hit his stride other than a few notable games. He was labeled a “space cadet” by Coach Phil Jackson a few months ago for freelancing too often in the triangle offense.

For now, he is getting ribbed by teammates, who are calling him “Slalom Vlade” and “Half-pipe.” Radmanovic doesn’t seem to mind.

“It’s a lot of money and nobody likes to lose money, obviously,” he said. “I made a mistake and I’m paying the price for it right now.”

*

There was better news for the Lakers concerning other injured players.

Kwame Brown and Luke Walton could both play tonight against Sacramento after lengthy layoffs because of sprained ankles.

Brown, out since Dec. 31, probably has a better chance to play than Walton, out since Jan. 17.

“The chances are one or both of them may be available,” Jackson said.

Also, an MRI exam on Kobe Bryant’s hyperextended left elbow was negative. He practiced Thursday with an athletic sleeve on his left arm and will play tonight.

Forward Maurice Evans, however, sat out a second consecutive day of practice because of a sore right knee. Andrew Bynum also missed another day of practice because of flu-like symptoms. Reserve guard Aaron McKie also missed practice, because of an upper-respiratory infection. It is unknown if they will play tonight, although Jackson suggested Bynum would be available.

TONIGHT

vs. Sacramento, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 570, 1330.

Records -- Lakers 33-25, Kings 25-32.

Record vs. Kings -- 1-0.

Update -- Only three teams have fewer road victories than the Kings (8-20): Golden State, Seattle and Memphis. The Lakers will see a lot of the Kings and Phoenix Suns the rest of the way, playing them three times each in their final 24 games.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com