Player Capsule: Robert Sacre

Robert Sacre

The last pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, former Gonzaga center Robert Sacre, split time between the Lakers and the D-Fenders during his rookie campaign, while also gaining the affection of his teammates for his constant support and excitement from the Lakers bench.

But more than just his cheerleading on the sidelines and fulfilling his share of rookie duties like delivering bags to his teammates on the road, Sacre served as a backup to Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol. He guarded both in practice on a regular basis, something he called “an honor” as he learned from two of the game’s most talented big men.

"I definitely learned a lot this year," he said at his exit interview. "I think at the end of the day I’m glad to be with a great group of guys."

With injuries decimating the team’s frontline in early January – Howard (torn labrum), Gasol (concussion) and Jordan Hill (hip) – Sacre stepped into the starting lineup, averaging 6.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in three starts.

Outside of that action, playing time was hard to come by. As such, Sacre was assigned to the D-Fenders on six separate occasions throughout the season, where he started seven contests towards averages of 11.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

”(I’m) glad I went to the D-League to play,” Sacre acknowledged. “I’m not going to fuss and moan and groan about it. I took it as I can only get better and focus on what I need to do to get better.”

Sacre, who grew up in Canada, plans to enjoy his offseason in Los Angeles, but at the same time, also improve in various aspects of his game going into year two.

“My focus is to get better,” Sacre said. “I have a lot of goals in mind, and I think I can achieve those goals.”