The Lakers are in discussions in negotiating a deal with Chinese star Yi Jianlian, according to a league source familiar with the situation. The source said the deal has not been finalized, though the current plan entails signing Yi to a one-year deal on a non-guaranteed contract worth the veteran’s minimum plus various incentives.
ESPN first reported about the Lakers’ interest in Yi.
The 28-year-old Yi played five years in the NBA, averaging 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds career average of 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in stops with the Milwaukee Bucks (2007-08), former New Jersey Nets (2008-10), Washington Wizards (2010-2011) and Dallas Mavericks (2011-12). The listed 7-foot, 250 pound forward also has shot 33 percent from 3-point range. The Bucks selected Yi sixth overall in the 2007 Draft.
Yi is currently playing with the Chinese national team in the Rio Olympics and has spent the past four seasons with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association..
The Lakers have also yet to sign contracts for rookie forward Brandon Ingram and forward Tarik Black to maximize cap flexibility to accommodate any possible roster changes.
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