After failing to get Paul George and Kawhi Leonard this summer, Los Angeles Lakers have finally managed to acquire one LA native. Lakers announced on Wednesday that they had signed center Tyson Chandler after the 36-year-old center agreed on a buyout with Phoenix Suns and cleared waivers.
According to ESPN, Chandler signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles worth $2.1 million.
“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,” – said Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka. “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.”
Welcome home, @tysonchandler!! pic.twitter.com/PeK8l1W9rJ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 6, 2018
Tyson Chandler hasn’t been getting much opportunity to play this season for the Suns, since the team wanted to develop their highly talented center DeAndre Ayton, whom they drafted first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Chandler only averaged 3.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while playing 12.7 minutes on average this season, and the two sides decided that parting ways would work in everyone’s favor.
“I honestly can’t tell you how excited I am to be back home.” – said Chandler after joining the Lakers. “To get an opportunity to play in front of my family, friends, everyone who supported me throughout the years. And get a chance to get back to the city but also be a part of turning this thing around. It couldn’t happen at a better time for me.“
Tyson Chandler was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2001 NBA Draft, but ended up being traded to Chicago Bulls on the draft night. He played for several other NBA teams during his career, including the Dallas Mavericks with whom he won NBA title in 2011.
Chandler’s NBA career averages include 8.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
