Lakers waiving Yi Jianlian after he asks to be released, according to report

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to waive center Yi Jianlian after he requested to be released following a conversation with team officials, according to Marc Stein of ESPN. The Lakers have yet to cut their final roster down to 15 players, but Jianlian’s bow out leaves one cut left to be made.

Jianlian appeared in six of the Lakers’ eight preseason outings, averaging 10.7 minutes, three points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 35 percent from the field. Tarik Black looks to have earned himself a role in the frontcourt rotation, while the fate of Thomas Robinson and Metta World Peace remains to be seen.

Robinson has become a training camp roster favorite while making a great final impression in the Lakers’ loss to the Phoenix Suns. His work on the glass and hustle may have gotten him a spot in the final 15 before the Monday deadline.

As for Yi, it sounds like he didn’t find what he was looking for when he was coming to Los Angeles, according to Stein:

And with that, the Lakers have but one last decision to make before looking ahead to Wednesday.