Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic practised Monday and pronounced his injured left foot ready to go as he tries to keep his spot in the rotation.

He is facing strong competition for the third-guard spot from rookie Jordan Farmar and Shammond Williams.

Vujacic, a third-year player in the last year of his contract, missed the Lakers' last two exhibition games because of a strained foot muscle. He was expected to play Tuesday night when the Lakers take on Sacramento at Thomas & Mack Center.

``I feel much better,'' Vujacic said. ``I just can't wait to go on the court tomorrow and start playing.''

Vujacic averaged 3.9 points last season, shooting just 34.6 per cent from the field and 34.3 per cent from three-point range. He stayed in Los Angeles over the summer to work on his game, rather than play for Slovenia's national team.

Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis said Vujacic has gotten better at running the triangle offence, which caused him problems last season.

``He's gotten to the point where most of the time he stays with his shot instead of fading away,'' Rambis said. ``He's become more consistent with his shot. He understands the offence. He's going to have to continue to knock down shots for us and execute the offence. Those are things that are important to us.''

Second-year player Andrew Bynum was expected to start at centre Tuesday in place of Kwame Brown, whose right shoulder is injured.

``The more I play, the more I'm gaining confidence,'' Bynum said.

© The Canadian Press, 2007