Vlade Divac Quoted as Saying He’ll Return to Yugoslav Team Next Year : Basketball: Laker center says he has an eye on his old Belgrade club and later, perhaps, on ‘some Italian or Spanish team.’

Lakers center Vlade Divac was quoted on Belgrade radio today as saying he will return to play with his former team in Yugoslavia next year.

Divac, who has been with the Lakers the last two seasons, said on the radio that he will return to Partizan Belgrade next season.

“I’ve fulfilled my dream and played in the National Basketball Assn.,” Divac said.

“Now I want to come back to Europe, first to my Partizan Belgrade team and than maybe to join some Italian or Spanish team.”

Divac said his contract with the Lakers expires next year.

“It may be a good chance for me to cash in my reputation,” he said. “And I’d be closer to home.”

The Lakers were traveling to Orlando today for a game tonight with the Magic after a win in Indianapolis on Monday night. Divac and Lakers Coach Mike Dunleavy could not be reached immediately for comment.

It was not clear from the report carried by Reuters news service when Divac was interviewed for Belgrade radio.

Divac, 22, has played inconsistently for the Lakers this season. On Monday night, the 7-1 center was held to 2 points and 3 rebounds in his 19 minutes on the court. But he has also scored and rebounded in double figures in other games this season.