Melineh Avanesian, a Southern California native and site chat regular, shares how Sasha Vujacic and the Lakers have influenced her view of NBA basketball and helped her improve her own on-court moves.

What is your full name?

Melineh Avanesian

How old are you?

I’m 14.

Where do you live?

I live in Glendale, California.

How long have you been a fan of the Lakers and Sasha?

I’ve been a Lakers and Sasha fan since I was 9 years old. My dad use to always watch the Lakers consistently and I use to pass by and watch the third and fourth quarters of the game. Since I too was a new basketball player at the time I would take some time to watch a few minutes of the game. My dad was a real lover a basketball so he always urged me to watch. He told me to observe Kobe Bryant and see how he runs the game, but my eyes always seemed to linger over to Sasha. I could never forget how Sasha shot the ball so well and was a real help to the team.

What was it about Sasha that first caught your attention?

I remember watching a game, and being so young I couldn’t tell who was the opposing team, but I remember very well when the buzzer was about to ring Sasha launched up a shot from half court and scored. Although the officials didn’t count it I was impressed, I thought to myself that’s my favorite player! After this game I began to enjoy basketball a lot more and watched full games from start to finish, I loved Sasha’s long hair and who can forget, his looks.

What are some of your favorite things about Sasha?

Some of my favorite things are that before the game begins Sasha gives all the starters a chest bump to get them pumped up before the game. Another one of my favorite things is Sasha’s passion for the game of basketball and how even when Sasha is on the bench he encourages his teammates to do his best. Sasha is always trying his best on the court and although he isn’t playing as much he is making any minutes he gets good ones.

Do you have a favorite Sasha moment or game?

Game three of the Finals last year is definately my favorite game that Sasha played. Sasha was extremely consistent and impressive, he scored a whomping 20 points and pleased many fans. Sasha was the center of attention and showed off what he can do when he sets his mind to it. I cherished Sasha for his well played game and recognized his magnificent shooting ability.

How has Sasha influenced you?

Sasha has influenced me a great deal, during my basketball games and practices I always keep in mind the way Sasha plays and how he observes the court. I always say to my self, “What would Sasha do?” when im stuck in a situation on the court. I spend hours in the gym practicing my defense and offense to be known as a great defensive and offensive player such as Sasha. Sasha is truely one of my greatest insperations.

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

I would say, Sasha your a great team player, I enjoy watching you play and look up to you as my role model. I love your hair and I love everything about you, go win the Championship trophy for all of us.