The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Friday they have waived Chinese guard Sun Yue, who played just 28 minutes in 10 games for the NBA champions.
"With the talent level and depth of our roster, the situation simply doesn't provide an opportunity for Sun Yue to get the chance to play that he deserves," general manager Mitch Kupchak said.
"We feel it is in Sun's best interests to be able to go to a team where he can get the minutes to play and showcase his considerable talents. We appreciate Sun's contributions to last season's championship team, and wish him the best of luck with the rest of his career."
Sun played for China during the 2008 Summer Olympics. The Lakers drafted Sun in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft and signed him on Aug. 25, 2008.
Sun tested positive for mononucleosis less than a week before the start of training camp and began the regular season on the inactive list.
The 6-foot-9 guard made his NBA debut in the Lakers' 19th game of the season, a 105-92 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring four points in five minutes.
Sun had six points, two assists, a steal and a blocked shot in his 10 games with the Lakers. He did not play in the playoffs.
The Lakers twice assigned Sun to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, averaging 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.33 blocked shots in six games.
"I want to thank Sun Yue for his professionalism and for the contributions he made to our team last season," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.
"Although Sun did not get an opportunity to play many minutes, he worked hard in practice and was a joy to be around.
"We also enjoyed the cultural influence he brought to our players, coaches and organization. Sun is a young player who will no doubt continue to improve in the coming years, and I wish him the best of luck," Jackson added.
