Exam confirms Sasha Vujacic has fractured left ankle
LAKERS FYI
The Lakers say the guard will miss at least 10 days of practice; Vujacic hopes to be playing in a week.
A second medical examination Monday confirmed that Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic has a fractured left ankle and will miss most basketball activities for at least another 10 days, the team said today.
Vujacic will be re-evaluated in one week. The fifth-year guard said his goal is to be back playing by that time. The Lakers open their season Oct. 28 at home against Portland.
He suffered what he thought was a sprained ankle on the first day of training camp two weeks ago. But an MRI by a foot specialist last week revealed that Vujacic had fractured the ankle earlier and the opening practice session aggravated it.
Vujacic, who signed a three-year, $15 million contract this summer, said is disappointed that he is unable to practice. "I realize that it is what it is. You've got to play it smart. And, it's going to be OK," he said.
Vujacic spent most of the summer working out here in Los Angeles and said he felt he was in the best shape of his NBA career.
Vujacic shot free throws after the team's practice today. He said he hopes to maintain his conditioning while his ankle heals.
"Right now, it's just a little bit frustrating," he said.
broderick.turner@latimes.com
