5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers 2016 Training Camp

3. Yi Jianlian Fails To Make The 15-Man Roster

There’s no denying that Yi Jianlian brings a lot of intrigue to the Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt. Unfortunately, there’s also a lot of bust potential with the former lottery pick.

During his five years in the NBA, he played for four different teams and looked like little more than a wasted pick. His best season came in 2009-10, when he averaged 12 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1 block per game for the then-New Jersey Nets.

He played well for China during the recent Olympic games, but is far from guaranteed to make the final roster.

In fact, I believe he’ll fail to do so.

There are a couple of reasons, but the main one is that the Lakers’ frontcourt is rather crowded right now. With Jianlian likely to play power forward, it’ll be tough for him to earn minutes behind Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr.

And then there’s Auguste, who I previously predicted will make the roster.

So where is there room for Jianlian? Not a center.

The Lakers have three centers who seem like near locks for the roster. I doubt the China native beats out Timofey Mozgov, Ivica Zubac or Tarik Black for a job. That’s why I’m predicting Jianlian is unemployed by the time the regular season rolls around.

Cutting him will have minimal financial ramifications for Los Angeles anyways.