Report: Yi Jianlian's $8M deal only guaranteed for $1M

This should clear up some of the confusion in the minds of Los Angeles Lakers fans.

On the heels of handing out $64 million for Timofey Mozgov, the Lakers went overseas for their backup center, and reportedly paid a sum of $8 million of the services of failed lottery pick Yi Jianlian.

That $8-million figure seemed excessive - even during a summer of incredibly mindless spending - but Yi's contract is apparently only guaranteed for $1.1 million. The difference of nearly $7 million might be made up in the form of incentives, Mike Bresnahan of TWC Sportsnet reports.

A veteran's minimum deal is more appropriate for a calculated gamble like Yi. The 28-year-old flamed out of the league after playing four seasons between 2007 and 2012, which prompted a return to the Chinese Basketball Association.

Across 272 appearances in the NBA, Yi averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 22.2 minutes per game.