Trail Blazers officially announce recalling Yang Hansheng! He is expected to play against the Lakers today, averaging 18+12 in the last two G League games.

On January 18th Beijing time, the Trail Blazers officially recalled Yang Hansheng from the G League, and he is expected to play in today’s home game against the Lakers. Should Yang appear in this match, it will mark a back-to-back game. In the recent G League contest versus the Blue Team, Yang recorded 14 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, with 3 turnovers and 5 fouls, establishing a personal G League rebound record.

The Trail Blazers’ last game was on January 16th against the Hawks, where they won 117-101, but Yang Hansheng did not get any playing time. His last NBA appearance was on January 14th versus the Warriors, playing 12 minutes and 33 seconds, shooting 1-for-3, and scoring 3 points with 2 rebounds and 1 assist. So far this season, Yang has appeared in 23 games for the Trail Blazers, averaging 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, with a shooting percentage of 29.2% and a three-point percentage of 16.1%.

In contrast, Yang Hansheng performs more comfortably in the G League and receives more playing time. In the last two games against the Oklahoma City Blue, he delivered solid performances: in the first game, he contributed 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, leading the team in scoring and setting a personal G League career high. In the second game, he scored 14 points with 17 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, with the 17 rebounds also marking a G League career best. Over these two games, he averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2 blocks per game in the G League.

After both games, Yang Hansheng joined the G League team photo and was awarded a medal after the second game for his outstanding performance, happily posing with it around his neck. Postgame, the G League head coach praised Yang’s efforts, calling him “an anchor on both ends of the court” and complimenting his improved rebounding. Additionally, the coach mentioned Yang’s progress in English, noting that during the Summer League 95% of his communication required translation, but now only about 50% does.

On the Lakers’ side, Doncic will miss this game due to injury, and Reeves has yet to play, leaving 41-year-old LeBron James to lead the team solo.