Coach Mike D’Antoni calls Robert Sacre Lakers’ hardest worker

The Lakers didn’t get the win on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, falling 125-109, but Robert Sacre played a solid 26 minutes, collecting a career-high 11 rebounds along with seven points.

After the loss, Coach Mike D’Antoni singled out Sacre’s performance.

“I thought Robert Sacre had his best game,” said D’Antoni. “He works harder than anyone on the team, without a doubt, it’s not even close. In the weight room, on the floor, before practice, he’s trying to make himself into a player.”

“That’s one of the reasons why I’m going to go with him and reward him -- and then he’s playing well,” D’Antoni said. “He’s probably our best defensive player on the team.”

After the game, Sacre said he’s just doing whatever he can to improve as a basketball player.

“I know I need to get better,” said the second-year center. “This is my job. This is my profession. If you were working on cars, you always have to keep getting better, right?”

“I don’t care what you do, you always have to master your craft,” said Sacre.

Through 50 appearances this season, Sacre is averaging 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 14.9 minutes a game.

Sacre is under contract for the next two seasons at $915,243 and $981,348. The second year is non-guaranteed.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.