Vlade Divac was placed on waivers by the Lakers Thursday, apparently ending his career.

The Lakers had the option of picking up a $5.4 million option or buying out Divac for $2 million. Divac, one of the first Europeans to make a significant impact in the NBA, will be owed the $2 million if he clears waivers, which seems certain.

"If he could play, he would play," general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "Here it is, the first week of training camp, and he can't play."

Divac, 37, who had back surgery in January, played 15 games last season, averaging 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. He averaged 11.9 points and 8.3 rebounds in 15 seasons - seven with the Lakers, two with Charlotte and six with Sacramento.

Divac said last month he planned to retire but wanted to stay on as an assistant coach and scout.

"We'll talk about that down the road," Kupchak said.