Vlade Divac ended his 16-year NBA playing career Tuesday, easing into a new job with the Los Angeles Lakers as a liaison and scout in Europe.

The Lakers bought out Divac's contract for $2 million. The 37-year-old center had back surgery in January and played in 15 games last season, averaging 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds.

"I didn't have fun anymore with the injury I had," he said. "If I didn't have fun, I wouldn't play my best."

The Lakers could have picked up a one-year, $5.4 million option on the 7-foot-1, 260-pounder or put him on waivers.

Divac said he had seriously considered playing this season, "but I couldn't find the ride that would take me there."