Initial reports of Sasha Vujacic's ankle injury had him slated to be on the sidelines for 10-14 days, which would have meant missing the rest of the preseason. But as Sasha predicted, he was able to return to practice yesterday, well ahead of schedule.
Vujacic participated in Monday's entire workout session, which included helping his team to victory in one of the scrimmages. Afterwards, Sasha said there didn't seem to be anything serious that would keep him from returning in time for the season opener a week from today against the Portland Trail Blazers.
"I didn't have any sharp pain, which is good. There was a little discomfort, but nothing major. I didn't want to do too much. I just tried to do the normal practice, which went well. We'll see what happens (today)."
Phil Jackson said that he noticed that "little discomfort," but overall he agreed that Sasha played well.
"He looked OK," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said when asked about Vujacic. "I saw him limping one time, but he had no complaints."
Sasha is expected to miss tonight's preseason game against the Charlotte Bobcats down in San Diego, but fully expects to play in the team's eighth and final preseason game in Ontario this Friday, against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It'll be nice to have Sasha and the rest of the regulars available for one last dress rehearsal, before they start counting the wins and losses for real in just one week's time.
