EL SEGUNDO — The Lakers’ small-forward situation could take another twist Tuesday night in San Diego in the exhibition game against Charlotte. Vladimir Radmanovic, who has been running with the first team in recent days, sprained the middle finger on his left hand Sunday night and sat out practice today.
Radmanovic, who started late last season but usually gave way to Sasha Vujacic down the stretch of games, had been selling Phil Jackson on starting him to spread the floor for Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. Radmanovic had also been showing increased activity on defense, something he hoped to bring this training camp.
But Trevor Ariza also remains in the running to start and might get another chance to show his stuff as a starter Tuesday night. Ariza is playing so well – and shooting the ball better than advertised – that Jackson might have to think again about starting him. Jackson’s eyes widened after he dumped Ariza onto the third team in practice last week and saw Ariza’s energy inspire that group to success.
Luke Walton’s surgically repaired ankle held up well through the back-to-back weekend games. Vujacic won’t play in San Diego as he comes back from his ankle injury.
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VladRad looked horrible last night. Was his finger injury attributable to his shooting woes? This guy is the definition of a streaky shooter. If his shot is not on, then he is completely useless. More often than not, he is off.
Too bad we didn’t void his contract a few years ago. The Lakers wouldn’t be sitting on his $6 mil/yr contract.
Hey, Kevin, can you find out why Kobe switched from the white arm sleeve back to his old trademark arm band?
thanks!
^^Vlad was far from horrible. His shot might’ve been off, but the effort he’s putting in defense this preseason is unlike anything I’ve seen from him during his time with the Lakers. He, along with Ariza and Farmar has been far the best player of the preseason and the most pleasant surprise out of the bunch. I just hope that his Space Cadet days are really behind him and he doesn’t revert ot his old self once the season kicks off.
(I do agree that his contract is horrible still, but perhaps this is the Year of the Vlad:))