Vladimir Radmanovic #10
	Position:	Forward
	Height:	6'10"
	Weight:	235 lbs.
	Born:	November 19, 1980
	Status:	Active
	NBA Experience:	7 seasons

There’s No Place like Home.
By Courtney Merfeld

The Los Angeles Lakers have a new recipe for success.  Combine one cup of international talent with two cups of athleticism, and sprinkle with determination.  Slowly mix in legendary coaches and all-star teammates, and let simmer for 27 years.  The outcome may be a sweet surprise named Vladimir Radmanovic. 

This basketball treat is not exactly home grown.  In fact, Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Vladimir Radmanovic began his journey toward the NBA in war-torn Yugoslavia.  Born in Trebinje, Yugoslavia, Radmanovic relocated to various “homes” throughout his childhood because of his father’s involvement in the war during the breakup of Yugoslavia.  With few things constant, Radmanovic managed to find comfort in the popular sport of soccer.  “It was my first sport,” he said.  “Everyone in Europe played soccer.  You go to school, and at breaks play soccer. You go to class, you have a little break, you play soccer.  You come back home, you do your homework, you play soccer.” 

Regardless of his dedication and love for the game, Radmanovic’s physique did not conform to the sport’s physical demands.  “Playing basketball just came out of nowhere,” he explained.  “I grew a little bit taller than the other kids, so I figured out I wasn’t the guy for soccer anymore.” 

In retrospect, it was thanks to this growth spurt and his nomadic way of life that basketball became a part of Radmanovic.   Shortly after the realization that he was not fit for soccer, his family moved to Belgrade, Yugoslavia.  Once again he was in a new place. “I didn’t know any people around because I just moved there,” Radmanovic said, “so I figured the best thing to do was play a sport, and it was basketball.” 

Following this decision, his life, like his three-point shot, blossomed.  Radmanovic became an instant success in Europe due to his talent and work ethic.  He played on a number of European teams from 1996-2001, and was noted for his deadly three point field goals, and athleticism and versatility in both forward positions.  Most significantly, Radmanovic played with two Serbian basketball organizations: KK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) of Belgrade, for three and a half seasons, and KK FMP Zeleznik until January of 2001.  Playing on these teams advanced Radmanovic’s skills to such a level that he entered the World Premier Basketball League in early 2001.  With a strong game and competitive nature tempered by an outwardly relaxed attitude, Radmanovic caught the eye of more than a few NBA teams.  “I worked out with 13 teams before the draft,” Radmanovic said, “I had never tried to be professional in any of my sports; I just played to have fun.  Sports are competitive, and that’s how I like it, so that’s why I play.”  His competitive drive led Radmanovic to the Seattle Super Sonic s in the first round of the NBA Draft as the 12th pick overall in 2001.

Radmanovic’s initial response to being drafted by the Sonics was, “Why Seattle, why that city? It has such bad weather ...”  After playing on the team for four and a half seasons, making the 2001-2002 NBA All Rookie Second Team and participating in the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout at the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend in Denver, Radmanovic reflected, “Once I got there (Seattle), I really had a lot of fun.  The city has really good people and I have no complaints about Seattle besides the weather.”  Radmanovic managed to escape the weather a few times to return to his home town and play basketball for Yugoslavia in the offseason of 2002, and for Serbia and Montenegro in Eurobasket 2005. 

Following the 2004-2005 season with the Sonics, Radmanovic was offered a $42 million contract to re-sign with Seattle, but he turned it down.  Instead, he signed a one-year deal that allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2006.  Shortly following the new deal, on February 14th Radmanovic was not given flowers and chocolate for the Hallmark Holiday, but was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for power forward Chris Wilcox.

The trade was set, and Radmanovic traveled from rainy Seattle to sunny Los Angeles, completing his 2005-2006 season with the L.A. Clippers.  He averaged 10.7 points per game and played in his “most memorable professional game” during the 2006 playoffs against the Phoenix Suns.   Scoring 18 points and setting the Clippers’ playoff record of five three-point field goals, Radmanovic seemed to fit in well with the rest of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Following his post season performance, Radmanovic got an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers for an estimated $31 million over five years.  “I got a few phone calls from my favorite Lakers legends and decided, maybe I should just do it, and not let the deadline pass,” Radmanovic said about signing the new contract.  “The Lakers are a big team that always seek the best results, and that’s what I wanted.”  Listening to Coach Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and friend Vlade Divac’s persuasive talks, Radmanovic decided to set his nomadic lifestyle aside and change teams without changing home courts.

Now in his second season with the Lakers, Radmanovic’s three point field goals are having an impact on Jackson’s legendary triangle offense.  On November 2, 2007, at Phoenix, Radmanovic had a team high 19 points and made all four of his three- point attempts in 23 minutes of play.  With Radmanovic’s attitude, work ethic, and focus all in sync, he leaves his role on the Lakers up to the coaches.  “Whatever happens, happens,” he says.  “If I’m on the floor, I’m going to do whatever I can.  If I’m not on the floor, I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team win.  That’s my main goal.”  

After a lifetime of globe-trotting, it appears Radmanovic believes he has found a home.  “I’m happy here,” he says with a big smile.

There are a lot of Lakers fans that are happy too.