China’s Yi Jianlian has ended his NBA comeback with the L.A. Lakers. The 28-year-old signed with the Lakers in the summer after four seasons with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the CBA but has now asked to be waived by the 16-time champion after failing to make the mark he wanted in pre-season.
A statement on the team’s official website said Yi and his representatives requested they let him go to pursue other opportunities after it became apparent he would not be having the role he envisioned.
The former Milwaukee Bucks man did enough at the Rio Olympics to impress the Lakers hierarchy, who secured him on an U.S.$8 million contract. Yi was only able to average 3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 10.7 minutes of game time during pre-season.
Joining the Chinese on the way out is small forward Anthony Brown, with former Sichuan Blue Whales player Metta World Peace and ex Brooklyn Nets power forward Thomas Robinson remaining for the start of the new campaign.