Sasha Vujacic Signs with Lakers in Three-Year Deal

Ryan WardJul 29, 2008

After not matching the Golden State Warriors' $17 million offer to power forward Ronny Turiaf, the Lakers definitely had the money to retain Sasha Vujacic's services.

But with some players recently deciding to make the move to international clubs—like Josh Childress, Juan Carlos Navarro, Nenad Krstic, and possibly Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon—the Machine's future was up in the air after he received an offer to play in Russia.

Even though Sasha was more than ready to take his sharp shooting from deep to mother Russia he made the smart decision and signed with the Lakers for $15 million over three years. This is pretty good for a bench warmer who's future was in doubt coming into last season because of his extremely streaky production coming off the bench.

Although Sasha had been one of the streakiest players on the bench and made Lakers fans very nervous every time he touched the ball, his 07-08 NBA campaign turned out to be very successful. He put up career high numbers across the board and earned himself the nickname The Machine (which is self proclaimed, but well deserved).