China's basketball superstar, Yi Jianlian, is in the advanced stages of negotiations to return to the NBA with the LA Lakers.

According to ESPN sources, the Lakers have renewed their interest in the 7-foot forward after failing to sign him last summer and bring him back to the NBA four years after he left the American basketball league.

Like Us on Facebook

Jianlian was the sixth overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 draft and has also donned the jersey for the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks.

The 28-year-old returned to China in 2012 to spend four seasons with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association and also travelled to Rio to represent his country at the Olympics, where he averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. However, China lost all five games, including a 119-62 defeat to United States.

"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," Guangdong said in a translated statement.

The deal is yet to be finalized to secure Jianlian's return to the NBA, but according to multiple sources, the Lakers are looking to close the deal before training camp in late September.

Beijing publication Sina Sports has already confirmed the move, further stating that China's star performer at the Olympics has signed with the Los-Angeles based basketball team for US$ 1.4 million.

Tagschina, Yi Jianlian, NBA, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, chinese, guangdong southern tigers, chinese basketball association, Basketball