Others might have, but Yi Jianlian never doubted he’d get a second act in the NBA.
Friday morning, the 6-foot-11, 243-pound forward/center began it, standing on the Lakers practice court amid a crowd of a few dozen reporters from English- and Chinese-language outlets. He expressed the confidence he has in himself. It’s a confidence that crystallized during his four years away from the NBA.
“Always expected it,” Yi said, about his NBA return. “[Was] always getting ready.”
The opportunity came last month, when the Lakers signed Yi to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum of $1.