Jackson’s “Favorite Martian” to Receive Less Playing Time

Sticks and stone may break his bones but words will never hurt Lakers’ Vladimir Radmanovic. The Lakers’ forward has been (affectionately) called “Space Cadet” and “My Favorite Martian” by coach Phil Jackson, but as long as he’s called into the games it doesn’t bother Radmanovic. Naming-calling aside, Jackson started Radmanovic last season, when Andrew Bynum went down with a knee injury, although he won’t in the 2008-09 season. Bynum’s left knee is healed and he will start at center in the upcoming season, with Pau Gasol moving back to power forward and Lamar Odom shifting to small forward (unless Jackson decides to put Kobe Bryant in that spot of Odom winds up playing point guard).

Radmanovic, who is entering his eighth NBA season and has three years and $19.4 million left on his contract with the Lakers, told the L.A. Times, “I’m not going to say I don’t care about not starting. But at the same time, I want this team to be as good as it can.” The 6-foot-10 Radmanovic has received less playful name-calling from Jackson during this year’s training camp, probably because his playing time will be limited this season. Rumor has it that Trevor Ariza may start at small forward and Luke Walton (who is recovering from right ankle surgery) may clock in some time at small forward as well. As for his speculation on the upcoming season, Radmanovic told the Times, “There are going to be some guys who aren’t happy. Hopefully it’s not going to be me.”

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