Fourth-year guard, once dubbed an ‘11 o’clock player’ by Jackson for his habit of shooting well only in practice, has extended his virtuosity to games this season.

By Mike Bresnahan, Los Angeles Times

SEATTLE — Sasha Vujacic used to be called an “11 o’clock player” by Coach Phil Jackson, a reference to his habit of shooting well in morning practices but failing to extend it to games.

Now he’s living up to a different nickname, one he gave himself — The Machine.

Vujacic has become a reliable three-point shooter, giving the Lakers an added piece on an already energetic and efficient bench.

He is averaging 11.9 points in 12 games this month and is shooting a remarkable 51% from three-point range over the same span.

His stat line Sunday night in the Lakers’ 111-91 victory over Seattle was typical, if almost expected — 13 points, with three three-point baskets in six attempts.

“Coming into this season, there was a lot of talk about how it was time to show why I came here to Los Angeles and why they picked me up,” said Vujacic, the 27th pick in the 2004 draft. “I’m just having fun and playing consistent minutes.”

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