After four years of playing in China, Yi Jianlian is back in the United States, specifically in El Segundo at the Lakers' practice facility.
Surrounded by a horde of English- and Chinese-speaking reporters on Friday, the 2007 sixth-overall draft pick worked on his shot before discussing his return to the NBA.
Yi averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds during his five seasons in the NBA. While overseas, the defensively lacking Chinese League bolstered his pedestrian numbers, as he put up more than 23 points per night in each of his last four seasons with the Guangdong Southern Tigers.
The Heshan native also represented his country at the Olympics, where he averaged the third-most points (20.4) despite China dropping all five of its games. In Rio, he showed off an improved outside shot, which makes him an intriguing addition for Luke Walton's new, Golden State-inspired offense.
“In the summertime I had been talking to Coach Luke,” Yi said. “He and I talked a lot about the system. I think I can really fit on the team and in the system.”
During his first NBA stint, Yi predominantly played power forward. Although he isn't sure which positions he will occupy with the Lakers, there is the potential to serve as a stretch center who will be able to pull opposing bigs out of the paint.
“I think I still can shoot the 3’s, space the floor,” Yi said. “But I’m cool with playing four or five.”
The seven-footer doesn't envision a rough transition back into the speed of the NBA, saying that he has worked to keep in shape for a potential comeback.
He will join a crowded Lakers frontcourt for training camp in Santa Barbara, including Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., Zach Auguste, Timofey Mozgov, Tarik Black, Ivica Zubac and Travis Wear.
“I’ve met most of my other teammates,” Yi said. “I’ve been here working out for almost two weeks. We get to know each other.”
At 28 years old, Yi is surprisingly young for a player that has been playing professionally in China and America since 2002. As a former lottery pick, he also knows the pressures that fall upon the likes of Randle, D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram.
Thus far, he expressed a positive impression from the purple and gold's youth.
“It’s a lot of talent,” Yi said. “I think they will be great players. They’re all working hard. Everybody’s trying to win for the team.”