Vujacic aims to be more patient

As omens go, it wasn’t a good one for Sasha Vujacic.

On the first day of training camp, not long after he signed a three-year, $15-million contract to stay with the Lakers, Vujacic came down on DJ Mbenga’s foot. He then sat out three weeks because of an ankle injury.

Almost two months later, he’s still trying to find the proper tempo for a three-point shot that set the team single-season record for accuracy last season.

“It’s frustrating a little bit because I should be more calm,” Vujacic said. “I’m trying to find the right rhythm and trying to come into the mix the right way. I’m taking my shot too quickly because I’m so hungry and I want to play so bad. I’m trying to change my mentality on it.”

In addition to struggling with his outside shot, Vujacic had a widely viewed spat with Trevor Ariza in front of the Lakers’ bench during a game against Chicago on Nov. 18.

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said Ariza shouldn’t have chastised Vujacic for a too-quick three-point attempt, though Jackson was somewhat critical of Vujacic before Sunday’s game against Sacramento.

“He really is hungry to play more minutes and get shots. We keep assuring him this is going to work out,” Jackson said. “Everybody’s going to find a way to play out there . . . and produce and be an important part of this team. He has to buy into that.”

Vujacic, 24, has not been shooting as precisely as last season, when he averaged 8.8 points and made 43.7% of his attempts from three-point range. He is averaging 5.3 points and shooting 39.3% from three-point range this season.

Jackson said he hoped Vujacic would play more cohesively with the second unit.

“It’s real important to just try and stay focused on the goal of that group while they’re out on the floor -- and that’s to play together as a team, even though the lead may be 20 points. It’s not to pad your own stats,” Jackson said. “I don’t think he’s out there doing that, but I thought the other night in the fourth quarter, out of our first 10 shots, he had seven of them. I had to talk to him about that.”

Vujacic actually took seven of the Lakers’ first 13 shots in the fourth quarter Friday against Denver, but Jackson’s point was made.

Vujacic had six points Sunday against Sacramento, making both of his three-point attempts. He took five shots overall.

Late Halloween

Vladimir Radmanovic showed up for Sunday’s game with severe redness in his right eye two days after taking an elbow from Denver forward Carmelo Anthony.

“It’s a little vampire-ish,” said Radmanovic, who also had a bruise underneath the eye.

Radmanovic wore tinted goggles against Sacramento, comparing himself to assistant coach Kurt Rambis.

“Maybe I’ll also put a ‘stache on or something,” Radmanovic said, smiling.

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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com