Lakers plan to waive forward Yi Jianlian after asking for release
The Los Angeles Lakers will begin the 2016-17 season on Wednesday with one less forward on their roster.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, after talks with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, forward Yi Jianlian has asked to be released by the team and could be formally waived no later than Monday.
When the role Yi expected with the Lakers did not materialize after he left China, sources say he and his reps asked the team to let him go
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 24, 2016
He returned for the NBA for the first time since 2012 after signing a one-year, $8 million contract with the Lakers back in August.
The 28-year-old was the sixth overall back in the 2007 NBA Draft to the Milwaukee Bucks. In his rookie season, he played 66 games averaging 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
The following season, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets along with small forward Bobby Simmons in exchange for Richard Jefferson.
During the 2009-10 season, Yi finished with a NBA career-high in points and rebounds averaging 12 points and 7.2 rebounds. Despite the career numbers, he was traded again this time to the Washington Wizards in exchange for shooting guard Quinton Ross and cash considerations.
After a rough season with the Wizards where he averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds, Yi signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He would play 30 games with the Mavericks averaging 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds and spent some time in the D-League.
He returned to the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China where he spent the last two seasons averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.
In 10.7 minutes of preseason play with the Lakers, Yi averaged 3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3 assist. He struggled with his shooting averaging 35 percent from the field.
He struggled to shot wide open mid-range jumpers and wasn’t a strong factor on the defensive end. Yi inconsistent play throughout the preseason wasn’t enough to earn a roster spot.
Forwards Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. have a secured spot. With Tarik Black and Thomas Robinson playing to their potential in the preseason, there was no room for Yi in the Lakers forward rotation.
Next: Julius Randle Could Have a Huge Impact on the Lakers Upcoming Season
The Lakers also cut 2015 2nd-round pick small forward Anthony Brown. Forwards Metta World Peace and Thomas Robinson made the opening night roster.