Report: Lakers, Yi Jianlian finalizing 1-year, $8M deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are finalizing a one-year deal in the $8-million range to bring Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian back to the NBA, sources tell ESPN's Marc Stein.

The 7-foot big man spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Dallas Mavericks during his first NBA stint from 2007-12, averaging 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds over 272 career games before returning to the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.

The Lakers reportedly attempted to lure Yi to Los Angeles last summer, but he played another season with the Tigers and earned CBA Domestic MVP honors for the fourth consecutive year, averaging 27.7 points and 10.9 rebounds.

With Yi on board, the Lakers would have 14 guaranteed contracts for next season, giving them one more roster spot to sign a veteran before 2016-17 tips off.