Lakers' Yi Jianlian confident he can succeed in NBA

After a four-year absence that saw him represent both the Chinese national team and the CBA's Guangdong Southern Tigers, former first-round pick Yi Jianlian is back in the NBA with a renewed belief in himself.

Having signed with the Los Angeles Lakers last month, Yi has mixed - but mostly positive - feelings about his second chance playing in the league.

"I feel pressure," Yi said Friday following an informal Lakers practice, according to the Los Angeles Daily News' Mark Medina. "But I feel excited about that."

Despite being unable to latch on with an NBA team over the past few years, the 28-year-old is confident he can be a serviceable player thanks to his shooting range and versatility.

"I think I can still shoot the threes, space the floor. I'm cool with playing the four or five," he said, adding: "I think I can play over here."

While new head coach Luke Walton hasn't yet determined the role of "The Chairman" on his squad, Yi thinks he'll be a great fit in any role he's assigned. The vet has high hopes for the roster he's joining, which includes high-upside youngsters in D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram.

"There's a lot of talent there," he said. "They will be great players and they are all working hard. Everyone is trying to win for the team. For myself, I'm ready and confident."

The 7-footer was drafted sixth overall in 2007, and played with four teams over five seasons. He has career averages of 7.9 points on 40.4 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from long range, to go along with 4.9 rebounds across 272 contests.

Rather than worrying about adjusting to the physicality and speed of the NBA, Yi's just excited to get the ball rolling in his second stint.

"For me, I feel like it's a good opportunity and good timing," he said.