Yi Jianlian Asks For Release From Lakers

By ESPN

After talks with team officials on Sunday, China star Yi Jianlian has asked the Los Angeles Lakers for his release, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that with the Lakers facing roster cut-down decisions by Monday at 5 p.m. ET, Yi and his representatives requested that the Lakers let him go to pursue other opportunities, largely because the role he envisioned in L.A. didn't materialize.

The Lakers will formally waive Yi later Monday, sources said, and will still have to release one more player to get down to the league maximum of 15. But Yi's departure would appear to increase the odds that former All-Star forward Metta World Peace will make the opening night roster, as he did a year ago, with fellow veteran Thomas Robinson being another strong contender for a roster spot.

After his strong play with China in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Yi was signed by the Lakers in August to a one-year, $8 million deal that was uniquely structured, featuring $6.8 million in what the league deemed "likely" bonuses.

But the defined role Yi expected when he agreed to leave the Guangdong Southern Tigers in his native China -- with minutes at both power forward and center -- didn't pan out as he had hoped this month, prompting the 28-year-old to seek his release.

The Lakers had been pursuing Yi for the past two offseasons before they finally managed to sign him to a deal and bring him back to the NBA.

It was not immediately known on Sunday night whether Yi would try to catch on with another‎ NBA team or look to return to the Chinese Basketball Association.

Sunday, October 23

No games scheduled

Monday, October 24

No games scheduled

Tuesday, October 25 Schedule (All Times Central)

New York at Cleveland, 6:30 p.m.

Utah at Portland, 9 p.m.

San Antonio at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.