The Los Angeles Lakers have waived Yi Jianlian.

Yi and his representatives asked for his release as the role he envisioned for himself didn't materialize during the preseason.

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.

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.