On Friday, a hive of reporters gathered outside the gates of the Toyota Center before the perverbial green light allowed the swarm to move inside the building.
Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian attracted a fresh crop of international reporters to the LA Lakers, as the purple and gold began a new era of marketing to the rapidly expanding Chinese basketball audience. With Kobe Bryant retired, the Lakers did not take long to ensure the link to East Asia remained in tact.
"I've played in China for four years, so I now come back and play for Lakers," Yi said on Thursday. "I feel excited, especially for the city and a team with a name all over the world."
The sixth pick in the 2007 NBA Draft is a shooting big man that can drain shots from distance and help stretch the floor for Luke Walton's offense. Though Yi said he had not yet entirely determined where he would fit into the Lakers' team, the 28-year-old expects to compete with Tarik Black and Ivica Zubac for backup minutes at the center positions. Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. will have enough trouble splitting 48 minutes at the power forward position without adding another player to the rotation.
"In the summer time, I've been talking to coach Luke (Walton), talk a lot, talk (about) the system," Yi said. "I think I can really fit in the team, fit in the system."
Yi is no ordinary player from China. He has won four CBA Championships, eight CBA MVPs, and two CBA Finals MVPs. Following four straight CBA Domestic MVP awards since leaving the NBA, Yi averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Most impressive, Yi shot 46.7 percent from three-point land.
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Yi Jianlian made the next one too. Will definitely help stretch the floor. Via my Snapchat (UN: Stillbreeze) pic.twitter.com/6TcEh4Qd5C — Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) September 16, 2016
Although the Olympics provides a small sample size, the Lakers' best three-point shooter a season ago was D'Angelo Russell at 35.1 percent. To add a center that can shoot three-pointers like a point guard will undoubtedly help on the offensive side of the ball.
Of course, the knock on Yi is his strength and defensive ability. However, the NBA has changed in recent years, and the move away from back-to-the-basket centers and towards spreading the floor works in Yi's favor. Also, it helps explain why a return to the NBA was possible for the former Milwaukee Buck, New Jersey Net and Washington Wizard.
"What do you think (smiles)" - Yi Jianlian when asked if Chinese government still keeps their heavy, um, cut of his salary. — Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) September 16, 2016
On Thursday, Yi didn't sound short on confidence. When asked whether he expected a bit of an adjustment period, given he's been away from the NBA for four years, the towering Chinese star said sternly, "I think I have no problem with that."
Yi will wear the no. 11 for the purple and gold.
