Yi Jianlian. File photo.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in ”advanced discussions” to sign on Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported.
The former 6th overall pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 draft suited up for the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks before his departure from the NBA in 2012.
After logging in 163 career starts in his five seasons in the league, the Chinese national team fixture was labeled as a versatile forward with an inconsistent jump shot. He managed to average 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 22.2 minutes at the NBA level, but shot just 40.4 percent from the field.
The 28-year-old forward returned to his roots after his NBA stint, where he became one of Chinese Basketball Association’s most prolific players.
In his most recent season with the Guangdong Southern Tigers, the 7-footer averaged 27.7 points and 10.9 rebounds while shooting 57.5 percent from the field.
He also had a strong showing in the 2016 Rio Olympics where he averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds, despite China going winless in five games.
A deal is not yet done to secure Yi’s return to the NBA, but the Lakers are reportedly hopeful of adding him to the roster before training camp begins in late September.
The Purple and Gold currently have two spots to be filled on their rotation, as they only have 13 guaranteed contracts on the books for next season. Khristian Ibarrola