BREAKING: Yi Jianlian Asks Lakers To Be Released

Ryan Ward
2 Min Read

The Los Angeles Lakers need to cut down their roster to 15 players before Monday’s deadline at 5 p.m. It appears Yi Jianlian may have made the decision a bit easier on the team by asking to be released, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:

Throughout his short time with the Lakers, Yi struggled to prove his worth to Luke Walton and company. Although Jianlian’s skill set is unique as a seven-footer who can stretch the floor, the Chinese star couldn’t put it together during the preseason and was on the roster bubble heading toward the deadline.

As for why Jianlian asked to be released, Stein shed light on the decision to part ways:

Now the Lakers brass will have to choose between two players for the final spot. Metta World Peace and Thomas Robinson are the last ones standing on the roster bubble with the scales seemingly tilting in Robinson’s direction.

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Ryan Ward is a Reporter/Editor and shares duties of being a Social Media Manager on a daily basis at Lakers Nation. As a credentialed member of the media, Ryan covers Lakers home games, press conferences as well as interviewing players from both the NBA and NFL. A Los Angeles native, but born and bred in the UK. Long-suffering Raiders fan and a Liverpool supporter since birth.