Kevin Durant of the United States defends Yi Jianlian of China during the USA-China exhibition gamein Los Angeles (Photo : Getty Images / Sean M. Haffey)
The LA Lakers could has one more roster spot to fill and they may be looking across the Pacific for the answer.
After a very impressive performance in the Rio Olympics, in particular, matching up well against the American centers and forwards, Yi Jianlian has caught the eye of an NBA team. The Lakers, who already took efforts to bring the Chinese center forward on the West Coast, have stepped up according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
"Sources told ESPN.com that the Lakers tried in the summer of 2015 to sign Yi and have renewed those efforts in the wake of the former lottery pick's fourth trip to the Summer Olympics as a cornerstone player for China," Stein reported.
The coast seems to be clear now for Yi's return as even his team for four years in the Chinese Basketball Association, the Guangdong Southern Tigers has released a statement of support.
"In order to help Yi seize this opportunity to play at the highest stage of [the basketball] world and unfold his capability, in order to help Yi fulfill his dream and goal, we are offering our unconditional support and cooperation to Yi to make sure he joins Lakers. Best wishes to Yi for his bright future in NBA," the statement translated.
Yi was picked at a high sixth overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks. He became a journeyman as he had stints with the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks.
According to Lakers Nation, the Lakers brass were in attendance when Team USA took on China in a friendly game in preparation for the Rio Olympics.
"Lakers head coach Luke Walton and general manager Mitch Kupchak were in attendance for that game and apparently saw something they liked in Jianlian."
Probably not based on his previous five seasons in the NBA. The Chinese forward only averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He also shot 40.4 percent from the floor and 33.3 from beyond the arc. Not very impressive.
Of course, he competed for MVP honors in the CBA against former NBA players Michael Beasley and Andray Blatche. He did excel in international play, registering 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks in five games in Rio though China failed to win a single game and has been eliminated.
