5 Realistic Expectations For The Los Angeles Lakers In 2016-17

Yi Jianlian Is A Pleasant Surprise

There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Lakers’ Yi Jianlian, and understandably so.

The former lottery pick flopped in his first go-around in the NBA, but is looking for a bit of redemption during the 2016-17 campaign. Los Angeles has seen some promising stuff from the Chinese big man, but will it translate to productive play during the regular season?

I’m leaning towards the answer being “yes.”

Realistically, Jianlian has all of the tools to be a quality big man for the Lakers. It also helps that unrealistic expectations and a starting role aren’t being heaped on him. As we’ve seen during the preseason, the plan is to bring him along slowly. That, however, may work out in his favor.

That way, Jianlian can take it at a reasonable pace and reacquaint himself with the speed and physicality of the NBA. When that happens, though, I think the former No. 6 overall pick will excel as a key part of the Lakers’ bench unit–likely as a center (via Mike Bresnahan).

He’s got excellent range, size and athleticism, which should bode well for the Lakers if he’s used right. Walton is a smart guy, and should find a way to turn this bust into a pleasant surprise.