Sun Yue plays during Beijing Olympics.  [Sina.com.cn]

The Los Angeles Lakers on Monday signed Chinese guard Sue Yue, as the NBA team increases its collection of international players and adds to its depth in the backcourt.

The 23-year-old Sun agreed to a two-season contract with the Lakers earlier this month but delayed signing the papers until the end of the Beijing Olympics. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Charles Bonsignore, Sun's agent, said Sun is optimistic and also "a little bit excited" about his joining the Lakers.

"He's really looking forward to it," said Bonsignore. "The Olympics gave him kind of a boost."

The 6-foot-9 point guard averaged 6.8 points, 2.5 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in six games for China in the Beijing Olympics.

Sun will compete for playing time with Jordan Farmar in the Lakers' backcourt. He also gives the team an added foreign presence, joining Pau Gasol of Spain, Vladimir Radmanovic of Serbia and Sasha Vujacic of Slovenia.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2008)