One year removed from signing a three-year extension with the Guangdong Tigers, Yi Jianlian has shown flashes of what the Bucks thought they might get when they selected him sixth overall in the 2007 draft. His ability to stretch the floor and put the ball in the basket has been the highlight of the Chinese olympic basketball experience in 2016. Posting the third highest scoring average during group play on the worst team in Rio, Yi has shown that he can play with NBA caliber talent. And for the second summer in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest.

Yi would theoretically be a good fit for the Lakers offensively. His ability to shoot the ball, Yi has posted a true shooting percentage above .600 for three of the last four seasons, would be a huge help for a team that may struggle to score. The 7-footer shot 37 percent from deep last season. He would be a natural fit in a twin tower lineup as a stretch 4 next to Ivica Zubac on second unit lineups. Those lineups would provide inside/outside scoring which should keep them competitive in short bursts. An explosive leaper and powerful finisher, Yi can go up to get lobs and put backs. A stretch 5 role as a poor man’s Kristaps Porzingis could be the ideal scenario for Yi's NBA return.

If Luke Walton creates an offensive game plan similar to that of the Golden State Warriors of the last few seasons, Yi Jianlian would be a natural fit in the Harrison Barnes' role. With no expectations of creating his own shot off the dribble, Yi could easily maintain his more than adequate percentage from deep shooting spot up threes out of the corner. One could envision him as a dangerous roll man as a center because of his ability to shoot the three and finish at the hoop. Of course, this will rely on improved play from D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, as well as a decent performance from Luol Deng and Brandon Ingram. It isn’t hard to envision those open shots being unavailable if the Lakers perform like last season.

Defensively, Yi could provide a little extra rim protection for a team that sorely lacks in that area. He posted a 3.0 block percentage, which would be in the top 20 among NBA power forwards. His 7’4” wingspan would help cut off passing angles, and his plus athleticism should allow him to briefly switch out onto wings. Smaller stretch 4s could be an problem, but used sparingly at that spot and he should be fine.

From a global business perspective, Yi could help fill the void left by the retirement of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is extremely popular in China. For the past twelve years, Bryant has spent time during each off season touring the country and helping Nike promote his brand. He is the most popular NBA player in the Chinese market by far and his loss means a lot for the financial future of the Lakers in what is the second largest NBA market.

During his predraft period, Yi was touted as the next Yao Ming. Many people expected him to come into the league and have success right away due to his international experience and plus athleticism. Despite completely destroying all folding chairs that attempted to guard him, this proved to be far from accurate. Yao was a once in a generation type of player. Those sort of expectations can be hard on any player. Mental toughness and work ethic are often cited criticisms of Yi, so it is easy to see the path that led him back to China. But during the last five years, Yi has proven that while the hype may have been overblown, he is a good basketball player who is worthy of another shot.