<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">BELGRADE (NBA) - Vlade Divac, one of most popular Serbo-Montenegrin basketball players of all time, has announced his retirement from the game. The LA Lakers centre had been expected to delay his decision until September 30 but has now admitted defeat in his quest to recover from a back injury. Divac had make public his intention to finish his career back in his homeland with Partizan Belgrade, the club he left to join the Lakers in 1989, but any hopes of an emotional return now appear to have been dashed. The 37-year-old, who signed a extended contract with the Lakers last summer, underwent back surgery six months ago and played only 15 games last season, averaging just 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. "My back is causing me a lot of problems," he admitted. "At the moment I don't feel pain, but after four of five days of playing I feel it a lot. "There is just a 50-50 chance for me to be fully recovered for the new season. "As I don't want to become a disabled player, I think this is a right time for me to stop playing basketball. He added: "I had talks with the club management but the final decision was left to me.</div> Source
How did you think he had a few more years left in him? His back was in horrible condition. He made the right move if he wants to walk in 10 years.
I could see Vlade Divac landing on as a big man coach for a team. I'd love to see him mentor the projects the Lakers now have. The art of the flop is priceless. In all seriousness, I think Vlade is valuable to a team because he can teach a big man how to pass out of a double team, how to feel for your defender and spin off of them, can teach footwork, and how to be aware of your teammates inside the post. Another valuable asset Divac brings is his connections and popularity to overseas players. He can point scouts in the right direction for foreign talent and recruit players to a team because of his 'Iconic' status in Serbia-Montenegro.
I wonder if he'd come here to coach, I'm sure Phil would love to have him teaching Brown, Bynum, and Mihm the flopping art and how to pass.
Great career Vlade he was one of those euro's who could pass the ball like crazy. Was a joy to watch a center like him pass the ball.
Still...can't..belive..we..traded..Kobe Bryant...for him. Anyways, he had a great career for a late first round pick. One of the (if not the best) passing big men of all time.
wish he stayed, he couldve taught kwame and bynum something, but all in all, i think it was the right decision. good luck divac, and thanks for those 3 games u played for us this season. we'll miss u.
I'll miss you Vlade. Even when you played for the Kings, I could never bring myself to hate you. Great guy.
Excellent career, and I can see him being a big man coach for a team. L.A. could use it, Sacramento has his buddy Peja. Who knows...
Im glad he retired. It was his time. Great Career to look back on. Especially the days in LA and SacTown.
I'm glad this happend for a couple reasons...first Money wise for the lakers...no buy out, no waive (they never would have anyways) but ya. More money. Secondly- Like someone else said, if he ever wants to teach the little vlade how to play bball...he's going to have to be able to walk. And third- I see it as likely he'll get brought in to teach the youngsters some things. Just because he can't play games doesn't mean he can't be out there in practice banging around a bit. Hopefully that will happen. I also love Vlade because of that MONEY tip to our used to be go-to guy Robert Horry. Without Vlade's assist we wouldn't have won 3 in a row.
