National Basketball Association

Lakers reportedly in talks to sign former top-10 pick Yi Jianlian

Published Aug. 16, 2016 10:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

It's been five years since former No. 6 pick Yi Jianlian played in the NBA, but it looks like the Los Angeles Lakers might change that.

The Lakers are in "advanced discussions" to bring Yi back from China, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Yi was drafted by the Bucks in 2007 as a 20-year-old but lasted only one season before being dealt to the Nets. He spent two seasons in New Jersey, averaging a career high in points (12.0) and rebounds (7.2) in 2009-10.

Yi last played in the NBA with the Mavericks during the 2011-12 season, appearing in a career-low 30 games. He has played in the Chinese Basketball Association since that final NBA season.

The 28-year-old forward was one of the bright spots for the winless Chinese national team at the Rio Games, averaging 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds.

The Lakers have 13 players under contract, leaving them with two open spots.