In the final minute of the Lakers win against the Pacers, Los Angeles had a three-point lead but Indiana had the ball. Rule #1 for the Lakers defense at that moment: Don’t give up a three-pointer.
But when Travis Diener drove baseline, Vladimir Radmanovic sagged down off hot-shooting Mike Dunleavy, who got a wide-open look at a three, buried the shot and tied the game.
That play has pretty much summed up what Radmanovic has given the Lakers since being re-inserted into the starting lineup — any shots he makes are offset by mental lapses that cost the team. He’s lived up to his Space Cadet nickname.
"He really hasn't merited starting, there's no doubt about it," Jackson said before the game. "Now with Luke [Walton] and Lamar [Odom] out for that time period, I really think we're almost forced to use him for those early minutes in the ballgame and hoping he can give us something in the process."
He’s not giving much. In the last 10 games he is scoring 4.8 points per game, shooting 43%, and a pedestrian 33% from three. That’s not enough.
Radmanovic began the season as a starter, but his play earned him a trip to the bench and Luke Walton got the starting job. When Walton returns, he will get the job back and the Space Cadet will be back to daydreaming on the bench. That can’t happen fast enough for Jackson’s taste.
