Once known as The Machine for his incredible three-pointers in the 2007-08 season, Sasha Vujacic (his “real name” is Aleksandar!) has instead become a mirror of the fortunes of the American economy. By about the time Chrysler received its federal bailout, it was clear Sasha was in severe need of a bailout too. Fortunately, the rest of the Lakers were able to step up, and bring home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Sasha struggling with Oberto
Soon afterward, Lakers fans sat tight as Mitch Kupchak and the front office did what could have been minimal wheeling-and-dealing, and the team acquired Ron Artest, at the price of letting Trevor Ariza go. For much of the summer, though, fans had only Ron Ron’s antics to amuse them as we counted down the interminable days before the start of the season. Then, as the Purple & Gold ramped up for the new season, the scintillating news of forward Lamar Odom’s short engagement and quick marriage to Khloe Kardashian made the rounds. ESPN even produced a highly hilarious spoof of a wedding program for the occasion.
Maybe it was because he was named as “Flower Girl”, or maybe it was just envy for the coverage Lamar was getting. Nevertheless, by the time Sasha received his shiny NBA Championship Ring on October 27, 2009, he had apparently set things in motion to win back some attention. By November 5, 2009, NBC-LA confirmed that Sasha was dating Maria Sharapova.
Maria Sharapova
The question now on everyone’s minds (especially the “Vujachicks”) is: why? Was it really just to get some attention and media coverage back? Did he see Lamar’s numbers improve after marrying Khloe and figure he’d get himself some of that? Is it part of some secret Slovenian diplomatic overture to reach out to Russia? Or was it the more mundane reason that Maria Sharapova is actually quite attractive?
And, of course, the Vujachicks can be expected to be devastated. Now that Sasha’s finally figured out how to make himself more presentable by adopting a shorter hair style, in case a Vujachick wants to introduce him to her mother, he goes out and finds, of all things, love?! I mean, come on, how about your shooting touch?! And how about all the grieving Vujachicks, who are left with . . . Adam Morrison? (I would have suggested Luke Walton, but he knows how to issue a restraining order . . . not that any rebounding Vujachick would stalk a Laker.)
I have a different question: how?!?!
Did Sasha simply bust out his best Slovenian at a party that Maria was also attending, figuring he’d seduce her with the sounds of a kindred tongue? Did he woo her with offerings of borscht? Did he tell her he’s Kobe Bryant’s reliever? (“In Slovenia, there is only one thing as fearsome and powerful as a black mamba, and it is The Machine!”)
Finally, there is this: shouldn’t athletes be required to date to their skill level? I mean, Kobe’s got Vanessa, Rick Fox had Vanessa Williams, Tony Parker got Eva Longoria, and Derek Jeter’s with Jessica Biel. Based on his performance last year, maybe Sasha’s true soul mate is . . . Anna Kournikova.
Anna Kournikova . . . Sasha's true soul mate?
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i am a totally dedicated Vujachick, and i am not asking any of those questions of ‘why’ about Sasha. in fact, the Vuja’s that i am associated with are all thrilled that he has found a new Love in his life and in particular that it is with Maria Sharapova. love in life is always a good thing and may actually improve both their lives due to the happiness that they are bringing to each other at this time! so, as for me and Vujachick Nation we only see good things on the horizon for both as time marches forward…
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hate to break the news to ya, but the vujachicks had already been up in arms over sasha’s dalliance with hollywood starlet, katie cassidy. after her ‘melrose place’ antics — announcing to tv guide that due to their “nasty breakup” the crew had written a slam of sasha into an episode (which they DID DO, btw!) — we were all relieved to hear he’s dating sharapova. from what i’ve heard so far, her fans are more devastated by this hook-up than we are, due to the fact that she’s never made a relationship this public before. and yes, maria’s fans are showing up on sasha’s forums to learn more about the young man who has stolen their idols’ heart.
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Yeah, that’s not the type of questions Vujachicks have asked. Sasha isn’t an attention whore are you serious? It’s funny to me that I keep reading stories where they make some type of correlation or comparison’s to LO’s relationship. Not even close. So Sasha has a new girldfriend and she happens to be a good match for him (no pun intended) He’s done the actress thing and it was never really publicized. He dumped Katie Cassidy because she was somewhat pathetic. Good luck to Sasha and his relationship with Maria, the Vujachicks approve of this one.
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Maria Sharapova fan in the house!!!(Lakers fan on the side) Well I can’t very well say that we were jumping for joy at this relationship. Yes, we did all “think” Sasha Vujacic was the dog we were determined to make him out to be, with misconceptions about his previous “relationship”(you know, P.Hilton)but come to find out through our…ummm “web searches” that there is alot more to this LA Lakers Sasha Vujacic then what meets the eye. So now, Maria Sharapova fans embracing this relationship….still hard to say. I can at least say this, when Maria Sharapova steps out in public for the first time in what appears to be squashing the “rumors” she’s got her mind SET…its a MATCH! When Sharapova brings it, its on. As a true fan, I myself(possible majority)support the relationship of a beautiful, intelligent, Grand Slam Champion and her new found love:)
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