The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Tyson Chandler, it was announced by General Manager Rob Pelinka. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.
Currently in his 18th NBA season, Chandler owns career averages of 8.6 points (.596 FG%), 9.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 1,086 career games (875 starts) for Chicago, New Orleans, Charlotte, Dallas, New York and Phoenix. Shooting over 55 percent from the field in each of his last 13 seasons, Chandler currently ranks third all-time in field goal percentage (minimum 2,000 FGM).
“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 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.”
Chandler was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2011-12, earning Third Team All-NBA honors. A three-time All-Defensive Team selection (2010-13) and 2013 NBA All-Star, Chandler was a member of the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Two clear needs have emerged as the Lakers have stumbled to a 4-6 start to the LeBron James era — more interior depth to address their defensive and rebounding woes and more dependable perimeter shooting.
Chandler can’t help with the latter, but the Lakers are hoping that the defensive anchor of the Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 championship team remains healthy and mobile enough to bring more rim protection and leadership, despite being eight seasons removed from the peak of his career.
