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9.25.2008

sun yue arrives in los angeles

Yesterday, 6-foot-9, 22-year-old Sun Yue of China met with reporters to announce his signing with the Los Angeles Lakers: Sun Yue draws a big crowd. The press conference drew over 30 members of the press—mostly Chinese language media.

It's a lot of hype considering that Sun, who was drafted nearly two years ago —the 40th overall pick in 2007 —isn't actually expected to be a rotation player this season. He started for the Chinese national team during the Olympics but lacks NBA-level experience.

Sun signed a two-year contract with the Lakers last month. If he's unable to squeeze in enough minutes as a backup, the 6-foot-9 guard could end up spending time with the Lakers' Development League team, the D-Fenders.

It should be noted that this isn't the first time Sun Yue has been in Southern California. In 2006-07, he played for an American Basketball Association team that played its home games at Azusa Pacific. Anyway, welcome, Sun Yue.