Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue believes Yuki Kawamura deserves a better opportunity in the NBA, arguing that the Japanese guard’s height and size have affected his chances despite his basketball ability.
Asked about the possibility of Kawamura playing for the San Diego Clippers, Los Angeles’ G League affiliate, Lue expressed his interest in working with the 25-year-old guard.
“I would love to have him … He’s a very good player. I don’t think he gets a fair chance cause of his height and size, but he’s a damn good basketball player,” Lue said.
The comments came after the Clippers waived Kawamura on Monday, October 12, according to Michael Scotto, ending his brief stint with the organization before the start of the 2026-27 NBA regular season.
Kawamura signed a one-year contract with Los Angeles on August 8 after spending the previous season with the Memphis Grizzlies and their G League affiliate. Although his time with the Clippers was short, he made an impression during the preseason.
In a 114-106 loss to the Toronto Raptors, Kawamura scored 10 points and recorded four assists and two steals in 14 minutes. He shot 3-for-4 from the field, including 1-for-2 from three-point range, and made all three of his free throws.
Kawamura appeared in 18 NBA games for the Chicago Bulls during the 2025-26 season, averaging 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 11.7 minutes per game. He shot 32.7% from the field and 29.7% from three-point range while converting 89.5% of his free throws.
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The Japanese guard also established himself as a productive playmaker during his previous stint with the Memphis Hustle in 2024-25, averaging 12.7 points and 8.5 assists across 31 games. He appeared in 22 NBA games for Memphis that season, averaging 1.6 points and 0.9 assists in limited playing time.
Before moving to the United States, Kawamura showcased his offensive production in Japan’s top division. He averaged 20.9 points and eight assists in 56 games for the Yokohama B-Corsairs during the 2023-24 season.
