The Los Angeles Lakers are 'close on acquiring the former 6th overall pick and CBA Star Yi Jian Lian with a one year $8 Million dollar contract. Yi last played for the NBA under Dallas Mavericks on 2011-2012 season. Yi's solid outing on the on-going Rio Olympics in Brazil pushes the storied franchise to make a strong push at the Chinese star.
According to ESPN, the Lakers was initially engaged on signing the Guangdong Southern Tigers' Star last summer of 2015. And on this year, Yi's strong performance on Rio sparks to renew those efforts of the franchise. After Timofey Mozgov suffered from groin injury last week, the Lakers are reportedly in search for a solid rim protector before the season kicks off next month. However, with the current state of the team, they were forced to settle into the lower market.
Yi's acquisition was considered as a great move by the team considering Yi is still at his prime at 28 years old. He also has an excellent height for a big man with 2.12 meters. The Lakers has not yet issued any official statement about Jian Lian's potential comeback to the league. Based on the reports, the Guangdong Tigers were at full support regarding on the deal and wishes Yi's luck upon returning into the NBA.
According to Silver Screen and Roll, Yi Jian Lian ranks third among leading scorers at the Rio Olympics with 20.4 points per game with. However, having a 43.9 field goal percentage is quite low for a big man. China exits the Rio Olympics with a disappointing 0-5 standing and was unable to gather momentum on each and every game.
With the Lakers' latest acquisition, they are now 1 roster away from the league's maximum of 15 players. While it was reported that this final roster spot has something to do on their future plans with Nick Young.
