Twenty-year-old Ana Melara says has been enamored of Sasha Vujacic ever since she watched her first Lakers game. We can vouch for Fontana, Calif., resident’s devotion to The Machine; she was seen at both the Foot Locker and AT&T signings (check out her custom T-shirt in our Sasha style feature!).

How long have you been a fan?

I’m a new fan of the Lakers and Sasha. I began watching games towards the end of last season during the Finals. I have always loved sports; the first sport I fell in love with was baseball. I didn’t think I could be so passionate about another sport until my brother, who has been a longtime Laker fan, convinced me to watch the Lakers defend their division. It was like love at first sight all over. I fell in love and became obsessed with the game and since then I have not missed a single game and have started up on my collection of Lakers memorabilia. The first player that had caught my attention was Sasha. From that very first game I watched, he won over my heart and has since been my favorite Laker.

What was it about Sasha that first caught your attention?

The first thing that caught my attention was his gorgeous long hair, as well as his passion and talent for the game, which anyone can see as soon as he steps foot onto the court. His overall work ethic is an amazing thing to witness.

What are some of your favorite things about Sasha?

My favorite things about Sasha are his hair and his smile, and the person he is overall. You can see right away that Sasha truly loves the sport of basketball; you can see it in the way he plays. He is so sweet and humble and really cares about his fans – something I got to see first hand at his signing at Foot Locker.

Do you have a favorite Sasha moment or game?

My favorite Sasha moment would have to be before every game when he helps his teammates get pumped up by hugging them and pounding on their chests before they step out onto the court. I love watching that as well as seeing him cheer on his teammates from the bench. It shows great sportsmanship that even though he’s not out there playing on the court, he’s there to support his teammates and cheer them on after making great plays.

You’ve joined Sasha’s green boycott. How is that going?

When I first heard about Sasha’s boycott against green I immediately jumped on board. I have not worn green since the Lakers lost to Boston and I don’t plan to until the Lakers win the Finals. I also make sure that my family and friends stay away from anything green, encouraging them that the Lakers as well as their fans have to stick together.

Even though you’re a new fan, you’ve already turned other people into fans, as well?

I have also turned my good friend into a fellow Vujachick. She had not yet became a Laker fan until I began to continually talk about the amazing player who wears number 18. It convinced her to watch a game and she almost immediately fell in love with Sasha and credits me for her newfound love of the Machine as well as for the Lakers.

If you could say one thing to Sasha, what would it be?

I would say that this is the Lakers’ year!! And something along the lines of, “You’re my favorite basketball player of all time!! I love and admire you! You’re my hero and I idolize you. I think you’re an amazing and beautiful person inside and out, I love your passion, talent, and intensity for the game. You make all Laker fans proud and I am proud to call myself a fan of yours.”