Lakers Eyes To Sign China’s Yi Jianlian
The Los Angeles Lakers has reportedly having “advanced discussions” in signing the Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian.
In a report by ESPN, the LA Lakers has already tried to sign Yi Jianlian back in the summer of 2015, and now, the efforts have been renewed to sign the Chinese player.
Yi, 28, was 7-footer who played for the Guangdong Southern Tigers for four seasons in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), averaging 27.7 points and 10.9 rebounds, and shoots 57.5 percent from the field.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in advanced discussions to try to bring China star Yi Jianlian back to the NBA, according to league sources.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 17, 2016
The Chinese player even averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds contributed to China in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
He already played for the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and the Dallas Mavericks after being drafted number 6 overall pick for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 draft.
Yi departed from the NBA in 2012 and returned to his homeland where he became one of CBAs most “prolific” player.
In a translated statement, Guandong South Tigers said:
“In order to help Yi seize this opportunity to play at the highest stage of [the basketball] world and unfold his capability, in order to help Yi fulfill his dream and goal, we are offering our unconditional support and cooperation to Yi to make sure he joins Lakers.”
“Best wishes to Yi for his bright future in NBA,” it added.
Yi Jianlian was among the
There is no deal or whatsoever happening to secure the return of Yi to the NBA, but sources have been saying that talks have been ongoing and that the Lakers are hopeful to add him to their roster before the start of the training camp in September.
According to sources, the Lakers are already finalizing a 1-year, $8-million deal to bring Yi in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers has 13 players under contract and still, there are two spots left.