Lakers season wrap: The enthusiastic Robert Sacre

Rookie center Robert Sacre didn’t play much in games but he remained a positive, hardworking practice player through a difficult season.

Sacre’s sideline celebrations were entertaining as he embraced the cheerleader role. He was the only Laker to wear his jersey to exit interviews with General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Coach Mike D’Antoni.

“Mitch gave me great feedback. He wants me to get better,� Sacre said after his exit meeting. “He feels I can do a lot in this league but I just need to improve.�

The Gonzaga product was taken with the 60th pick in the 2012 NBA draft. He made just 32 appearances this season for a total of 203 minutes.

Sacre’s numbers weren’t especially significant, just 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds a game on 37.5% shooting. He started three games for the team when Dwight Howard sat with a shoulder injury. Sacre averaged 6.7 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes over that stretch.

His career high was 10 points in a start on Jan. 8 against the Houston Rockets. He also blocked four shots, but the Lakers fell, 125-112.

In order to make Sacre a restricted free agent, the Lakers need to give him a qualifying offer of $988,872 in July.

Even if he doesn’t play a big on-court role next season, he might be worth the money as Howard’s sparring partner in practice -- assuming the free agent returns as well.

“I was super, super ecstatic about playing against Dwight,� Sacre said. “I’m hoping he’s going to be able to come back and play with us. That’s the goal for us, to win a championship.�

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.