Sasha in Phil’s doghouse?

ATLANTA — Sasha Vujacic’s sideline blow-up at the coaching staff during the Lakers’ loss last week to the Oklahoma City Thunder apparently had serious consequences. He did not play in their victory over the Houston Rockets or their loss to the New Orleans Hornets. He also wasn’t going to play tonight against the Atlanta Hawks without making good on a preseason promise, according to Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Vujacic said he didn’t know what Jackson was talking about and referred reporters to the coach.

“I’m in the doghouse? I don’t know ask him,” Vujacic said. “There’s no agreement. Thanks for letting me know. Nothing unusual. Typical player/coach (disagreement). Nothing to make a big deal out of, at least that’s what I was told the next day. I think the whole season I haven’t gotten much playing time. At least now I know what my role is. I was trying to find that out all season long. Now I know.”

And what is that role?

“Well, I’m out of the rotation,” he said. “If they’re winning, I’m not playing. If they’re losing, if this team is down by 20 points, I get three minutes. So … All year I was trying to find out what my role is and trying to see if I can help this team in any kind of way. I was playing a little bit, in and out and now that I know. I’ve got to be ready. Always. Like I said, it’s typical player/coach disagreement. It’s not a big deal. If you want to make a big deal out of it, go ahead.”