In their first season under head coach Luke Walton, the Los Angeles Lakers will implement a new system on the court, based more on ball movement, spacing, and a more uptempo pace. With the precedent the evolving NBA has set, the forwards and centers, such as Yi Jianlian, may see an expanded role on the court.
The Lakers signed Yi to a one-year deal that will allow him to transition back smoothly. The 28-year-old spent the last four seasons playing in China, taking a hiatus from the NBA.
The 6th overall pick in the 2007 draft provides an idealistic fit in the evolving game, with his soft touch and playmaking ability.