Slovenian player Luka Dončić joining the Lakers was huge. Fans were both shocked and excited to have the star join the roster to team up with none other than LeBron James. But do you know who would have been the happiest person on the planet after this thrilling addition? The late Kobe Bryant! After Doncic’s debut, a special mural of his interaction with Mamba was placed on Melrose Avenue. Dončić was warmly welcomed by Jeanie Buss and the Lakers fans. And so was another Slovenian player years ago.
Do you remember Sasha Vujačić? He joined the Lakers in 2004 and went on to win two NBA titles in 2009 and 2010. Known affectionately by Lakers fans as ‘The Machine’ for his confident shooting and occasional clutch performances, Vujačić carved out a valuable role as a perimeter shooter and reliable backup during his tenure. Speaking of the Lakers, Vujačić shared how the owners, including the late Jerry Buss and Jeanie Buss, welcomed him to the team. He also praised the current Lakers owner for her work and contribution to the franchise.
“And then meeting Jeanie for the first time, being in a family business is not always easy. But when, you know, I met everybody, Dr. Buzz, then I met Jeanie… And she was always the nicest. And people don’t realize that, being the only female sports owner in one of the best franchises. She’s my big sis,” Vujačić said during his appearance on Out The Mud podcast.
He further added, “45 years now she’s been there with Linda Rambis. Godfather, one of my favorite movies, the Godfather and consiglieri. That’s who they are. And Jeannie was just since day one. They’ve welcomed me to the family and I’m grateful for that.”
Buss served as the general manager of the professional tennis team, the L.A. Strings, and also managed the pro inline hockey team, the L.A. Blades. It was in 2013 when she became one of the controlling owners of the Lakers while Dr, Buss had put her brother Jim in charge of basketball operations.
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers President Jeanie Buss before the game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center. Bulls won 118-110. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
However, after the team’s struggles under her brother’s leadership, Jeanie took decisive action in 2017, leading to a power struggle within the family that ultimately resulted in her securing the controlling ownership of the franchise for life.
As an executive or an owner, she has always maintained a great relationship with Lakers players. Buss had a heartwarming reaction when Dončić joined the team, although she agreed that the Lakers needed more key players. Dončić also shared a picture of him meeting Bryant and Gigi for the first time after joining the $7.1 billion worth team (as per Forbes) Los Angeles Lakers.
While Bryant is loved by everyone, why did Vujačić claim that he was hated?
Sasha Vujačić claimed everyone hated Kobe Bryant
We know how Shaquille O’Neal was tough on Bryant. He used to constantly fuel the competitive fire in Mamba. On the other hand, Bryant, too, was focused on his aim to win. He remained the same throughout his career. The 5x NBA champ was strict with the younger players as well. However, like O’Neal, his aim was also to encourage them to work harder and play better.
It was tough to win Bryant’s faith. In the same podcast, the former NBA player claimed that many hated Bryant out of jealousy. “Nobody liked Kobe, let’s be honest. Everybody was jealous. Hated him because he was different. We just kind of connected, he knew he could count on me,” he said in the same podcast.
He explained that those who understood Bryant’s game were eventually inspired. While Vujačić had a great connection with the champ, he was also influenced by the Mamba mentality. It was evident in the Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals when he made clutch free throws, which helped the Lakers lead further. This was just one instance. Even if Bryant was a bit tough, his ethics and mentality still inspire millions.
In the storied history of the Los Angeles Lakers, Slovenian players have carved their own unique niches, from Sasha Vujačić’s championship contributions and warm bond with the Buss family to the electrifying arrival of Luka Dončić, a move surely celebrated by the late Kobe Bryant. Jeanie Buss, the team’s steadfast owner, has consistently fostered a welcoming atmosphere for these international talents. As the Lakers embark on their journey with Dončić, the legacies of past and present intertwine, highlighting the franchise’s global appeal. The pursuit of future glory now carries the echoes of Slovenian pride within the iconic purple and gold.
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