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‘I Don’t Think He Gets a Fair Chance’: Ty Lue Defends 5-Foot-7 Yuki Kawamura Over Height Doubts After Clippers Waive Him

The roster dilemma hit the Los Angeles Clippers a week before the regular season begins and it’s cost a fan favorite. Our dreams of seeing the Samurai share the floor with another Japanese star were squashed after Yuki Kawamura was…

Yard Barker

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 4:34 AM

Key Things to Know

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue defended Yuki Kawamura after the team waived him ahead of the season.
Lue argued that Kawamura does not get a fair chance in the NBA because of his height.
Kawamura is expected to join the G League affiliate San Diego Clippers if he clears waivers.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue defended Yuki Kawamura after the franchise waived the 25-year-old guard ahead of the regular season. Lue stated that Kawamura does not receive a fair chance across the league due to his height, while expressing a strong desire to keep him within the organization's system. Kawamura had joined the Clippers on an Exhibit 10 deal during the offseason.

If the Japanese point guard clears waivers, he is expected to join the G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers. Lue emphasized the importance of having Kawamura nearby as depth, while the front office also maintains an open two-way contract slot. Fellow Japanese player Rui Hachimura similarly praised Kawamura's training camp work ethic following the transaction.

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