Lakers’ Radmanovic gets message
- Posted by Anthony Bass on March 9th, 2008 filed in Vladimir Radmanovic
Elliott Teaford, The Sun
El SEGUNDO - Vladimir Radmanovic’s skills were never in question.
It was his commitment the Lakers wondered about.
Coach Phil Jackson said Saturday he asked Radmanovic last season to show the team he cares about playing the game the right way.
Actually, Jackson said he had the same conversation with Radmanovic three times.
They spoke at midseason, then again after Radmanovic injured his shoulder while snowboarding in Utah during the All-Star break and after the season ended.
“The whole process was hammered home to him in a certain way,” Jackson said when asked Saturday about their talks. “We want you to help us and we want you to do everything you can. We need you on the court to do it.”
Jackson’s message was received loud and clear.
Radmanovic has helped himself by playing a smarter game this season, emerging as a starting forward with something positive to give to the Lakers. He’s averaging modest totals of 7.5 points and 2.8 rebounds, but he’s not making as many mistakes.
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