Three years and $15 million is not much of a contract by NBA standards, but the Lakers should get their money's worth.
Sasha Vujacic, a key part in the team's playoff run and the Lakers' first-round pick in 2004, was rewarded with a new deal and will remain a Laker until Kobe Bryant feels no need for him.
Vujacic averaged a career-high 8.8 points per game during the 2007-08 regular season and converted 43% of his 3-point shots. But his value goes beyond the stat sheet.
He is the kind of player the Lakers need to make their triangle offense run smoothly. He's is a big guard (6-7) and Coach Phil Jackson loves big guards more than he loves his children. He has also proven that he's not afraid to take and make big shots in the playoffs. Vujacic's shooting range allows Bryant to work the middle of the defense and keeps double teams off Lakers big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
His nickname is "The Machine" but he plays more like a pest. He is the type of player you love to have on your side but hate to play against. He gets under people's skin for some reason. Is it the haircut? Is it because he's Euro? Maybe he doesn't shower? Not sure. He just annoys the hell out of the opposition.
Perception or reality, the Lakers are a finesse team. It showed against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. What the Lakers need are no-nonsense guys who are willing to do the dirty work.
Vujacic fits the mold and the Lakers are glad he's back on their side.
Keywords: Lakers, Sasha Vujacic
