Los Angeles (AFP) - Yi Jianlian may not like being compared to Yao Ming but he isn't shy about wearing his No. 11 this season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking during the Lakers's practice on Friday in El Segundo, California, the 28-year-old forward-center said the two came to a mutual agreement that Yi would wear Yao's former number with his new team.
"Yao asked me. We talked about it," said Yi.
Hall-of-famer Yao wore number 11 during his eight NBA seasons with the Houston Rockets, averaging 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds.