Lakers does not have contract with Yi Jianlian: spokesman

Yi Jianlian of China shoots over Cameron Bairstow (AUS) of Australia during Men's Preliminary Round Group A China v Australia, Aug 12, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers hasn't signed a contract with Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian, the NBA team told Xinhua on Thursday.

"We do not have a contract with him and have no comment or information we can share with you at this time," John Black, Lakers Vice-President of Public Relations told Xinhua via Email.

According to media reports, Chinese forward Yi is about to return to NBA, heading to the Lakers for a reported $8 million, one-year deal.

"Yi's signing has only been reported by media," Calder Hynes, Senior Manager, Public Relations at Los Angeles Lakers said.

Yi, who was drafted on the sixth place by Milwaukee Bucks in 2007, played for the New Jersey Nets, the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks before he came back to Hongyuan in 2012.

In the Rio Olympics, Yi led the Chinese team with 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds.