The Los Angeles Lakers Officially Sign Center, Tyson Chandler

Getty Images Tyson Chandler Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns (Oct. 26, 2018)

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Phoenix Suns would be buying out the 36-year-old center, Tyson Chandler’s contract. Tyson Chandler wasted no time in letting the general public know exactly where his next desired franchise location would be. Now, the Compton, California native is having the homecoming of a lifetime officially signing with the legendary Los Angeles Lakers.

According to NBA.com, it was announced today by Los Angeles Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka that the team has officially signed Tyson Chandler. The terms of the deal were not released due to team policy.

The Lakers first-year GM in Pelinka, had this to say about signing the 18-year veteran center,

“Having observed our roster for the first 10 games of this young season, one of the areas that Earvin and I discussed with Luke that we desired to upgrade is interior defense and rebounding… In Tyson Chandler we addressed that need, and so much more. We are excited that Tyson will bring championship-level experience to our Lakers team that will solidify our veteran leadership and help positively shape our young core. We are thrilled for Tyson to join us as we progress towards our ultimate goals as a team.”

Tyson Chandler’s Journey To Becoming A Los Angeles Laker

Tyson Chandler was picked second overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. Throughout his lengthy 18-year NBA career, he’s been able to average a total of 8.6 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Chandler spent the early 2000s as a member of the Chicago Bulls before signing with New Orleans Pelicans in 2006. From there, Chandler played a single season with the Charlotte Hornets in 2009 before playing a single season with the Dallas Mavericks. The seven-footer left Texas to play for the Knicks for three seasons and returned to Dallas for another one-and-done season. Resulting in Chandler finding a solid home in Phoenix, who has played for, for the past four seasons.

Throughout the course of this early 2018-19 NBA season, Chandler has had career low stats of 3.9 points per game while ripping down a lowly 5.6 rebounds per match. Now, the center is looking to close out the tail end of his career as a backup center for the LA Lakers.

Tyson Chandler’s Role In Los Angeles

The reality of this signing is that Laker fans shouldn’t be expecting for Chandler to enter Staples Center and put up career numbers for the purple and gold. But Chandler will be able to provide the Lakers with some much-needed balance in their second unit.

Throughout the first ten games of this early NBA season, the Lakers have struggled to find a defensive anchor in the middle to come off the bench. Paint protection has been a major issue and opposing teams have taken advantage of JaVale McGee‘s absence on the floor when he’s getting his much deserved rest. McGee’s been a bright spot at the center position for the Lakers totally three or more blocks in seven out of team’s first 10 games.

Now, it’s time for the one-time NBA Champion to mimic the defensive mindset of McGee to make opposing offenses question their decision to come in the paint. If Tyson Chandler can effectively rebound the ball, provide solid rim, and adapt to the quick pace of this new-look Los Angeles Lakers team, he could find himself playing 15-20 minutes of effective basketball per night.

With that said, check out some of Tyson Chandler’s best NBA moments in the video below.

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