Yi Jianlian of China smiles as he wears his Lakers' No. 11 jersey during his introduction at Lakers headquarters in El Segundo, Los Angeles, Sept. 16, 2016. (Photo/Osports)
Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian, who signed to the Los Angeles Lakers last month, has said that he felt the pressure to be playing for such a famous NBA team but he would use it to his advantage.
"Definitely there's a bit of pressure, because we all know the significance of this team, the fan's hopes. We want to turn his pressure into motivation to win, to thank our fans."
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Yi on August 22, one day after the Olympics in which the 28-year-old averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in five games.
Playing for the Lakers marks Yi's return to the NBA after a four-year absence.
Yi previously played for the Milwaukee Bucks, the New Jersey Nets, the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks.
