Chinese player Yi Jianlian was officially introduced by the Los Angeles Lakers last Friday at their practice facility in El Segundo, Calif.

After playing four seasons in the NBA with four different franchises, the 28-year-old spent the last few years in his home country playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers and the Chinese National Team. Asked by a handful of media members surrounding him after the informal workout he had, Yi had this to say about being give the opportunity to play for the Lakers:

“I feel pressure, but I feel excited about that.”

The Lakers are coming off another forgettable season, having the second-worst record in the league. They also saw their franchise player and leader, Kobe Bryant, retire after a spectacular 20-year career.

Now, the team is in rebuild mode with an ample stable of young players plus a few veterans added this offseason.

Yi Jianlian's role with the team

Though there are still a lot of questions about what role the former seventh overall pick of the 2007 draft will play, Yi quickly uttered the position he is comfortable playing and sounded confident that he can adjust to the NBA even after last playing here in 2012:

“I think I can still shoot the threes, space the floor, I’m cool with playing the four or five. I think I can really fit on the team and his system, I think I can play over here.

“There’s a lot of talent there, 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.”

Already considered one of the veterans of the team because his experience playing in the NBA in the past, the 7-footer will be looked up to by the young core the Lakers currently have with the like of rookies Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac as well as D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson – are of whom are below 25 years old.

This role is not new for Yi Jianlian, as he has done the same for his teammates on the national team.

“With the future, I would always try to help all the young guys and young players, I think that’s the way to get China basketball. Get more players overseas to play.”

In a week's time, training camp will officially start. Now, it's only a matter of time before we see if Yi Jianlian will be a good fit with the Lakers and if his confidence will translate to more wins for the team this season.