![Chinese basketball player Yi Jianlian works out at his introduction as a member of the NBA Los Angeles Lakers in El Segundo, California, on September 16, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Frederic J. BROWN has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [El Segundo, California] instead of [Los Angeles]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2016/10/Yi-JIanlian.jpg)
Chinese basketball player Yi Jianlian works out at his introduction as a member of the NBA Los Angeles Lakers in El Segundo, California, on September 16, 2016. The Lakers have waived Yi after the Chinese forward-center asked to be released. AFP FILE
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said Yi had sought to be waived over concerns he would not get enough minutes on court.
“Yi was productive in practices and games with us, and was a consummate professional both on and off the court,” Kupchak said in a statement.
“However, he felt that the minutes and opportunities he’d be afforded here were not in line with his goals and ambitions, and that he’d be better off in a different situation.
The native Cantonese-speaking Yi played in China with the Guangdong Southern Tigers from 2012-2016 and was the cornerstone for the Chinese national team at the Rio Olympics.
“We appreciate his efforts and wish him great success as he goes forward with his career.”
Yi, who was chosen by the Milwaukee Bucks as the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, had averaged three points and 2.5 rebounds per game for the Lakers during six pre-season contests.
The 28-year-old had targeted an NBA comeback after a four-year hiatus from the league.
He signed a one-year deal in August with the Lakers for $1.14 million which could have been worth up to $8 million with incentives and bonuses.
The native Cantonese-speaking Yi played in China with the Guangdong Southern Tigers from 2012-2016 and was the cornerstone for the Chinese national team at the Rio Olympics. CBB