Most already made their announcements over the weekend, which in many cases were self-explanatory. For the Lakers, things haven't been as easy. They're currently sitting at 17 players—two more than the 15-man maximum.
Thomas Robinson and Metta World Peace were seemingly the likeliest guys to be on the outs. Robinson showed some flashes in the preseason but is little more than an energy bench body who is playing on a non-guaranteed contract. World Peace is 36, played poorly in limited appearances last season and could easily take some non-playing organizational role.
As the deadline approaches, it appears one major thing has changed. Here's a look at the latest news regarding the Lakers' final roster, which will open up a job for Robinson or World Peace.
Yi Jianlian Requests Release
ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported Yi Jianlian, brought back stateside from China this offseason, has requested his release from the team.
Yi was unsatisfied after being unable to carve out a solidified role in the preseason. He averaged just 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds across 10.7 minutes per game, shooting 35 percent from the floor. The Lakers had been coaxing Yi back to the states for the better part of two years after he emerged as perhaps the best player in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Yi asking for his release means the Lakers will eat $1.2 million of his contract. There was an additional $6.8 million of non-guaranteed money, which was tied to "likely" bonuses. That number will be wiped off the team's cap, and it's unlikely Yi will get anything similar from another team upon his release.
Stein's report indicated Yi has not made it clear whether he plans to continue his NBA comeback or return to China. The ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
