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Tyson Chandler has already participated in NBA stops in Chicago, New Orleans, Charlotte, Dallas and New York. (Matt Slocum / AP)
Bieler
Sports journalist covering national themes, as well as the coverage of teams in the D.C.
LeBron James wanted some help from veterans, while Luke Walton was apparently looking for another great man. The star and the Lakers head coach will both apparently get their wish in the form of Tyson Chandler, who reached an agreement on a Sunday buyout of the Suns.
"With the respect of Tyson's accomplished career, today's decision gives him the opportunity to seize a new opportunity while allowing our young players to continue to grow," said James Jones, Head of Operations. Phoenix Basketball, in a statement, thanking Chandler for his contributions. last three seasons and more. "Tyson is an accomplished professional and we wish him the best of luck."
This new opportunity would be in Los Angeles, which James almost confirmed on Sunday. "We like the fact that we are going to have another veteran," he said of Chandler (via ESPN).
"A guy who plays hard, a very smart guy and another champion to add to the champions we have in this system here today," continued James, "and that adds depth to our front pitch, which has sometimes been a problem. "
Walton apparently agreed to this assessment judging by a recent report from The Athletic, according to which, in a discussion that took place Tuesday with the team's chairman, Magic Johnson, the coach "stressed the desperate need for the Lakers to have another great man beyond JaVale McGee and asking for help on that front. "
The Athletic report also noted that the discussion would have taken a controversial tone. According to ESPN Friday, Johnson would have "scolded" Walton for the slow start of the Lakers, who were 2-5 years old at the time.
[In September, Magic Johnson preached patience with the Lakers. In November, it’s win now.]
Sunday night, the Lakers were 4-5 after a win Saturday against Trail Blazers. James led his team with 28 points and seven assists and, before that match, he distanced himself from any possible hustle and bustle in the office.
"It does not bother me at all because I do not care, I do not listen," said James (via ESPN). "In fact, it never really touches me, so it's not that bad for us."
The expected addition to Chandler may not be the biggest deal considering he would be a replacement for JaVale McGee, but it could prove very useful for the Lakers. In his 18th season, Chandler's minutes were reduced to an average of 12.7 on a very young Phoenix team, but he averaged only 24.5 in any of his previous three seasons with the Suns with an overall score of 9.5 rebounds per game. on the team.
McGee, who is in his first season with the Lakers after winning two titles with the Warriors, played well, averaging 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 3.6 NBA blocks in nine games. But his 27.1 minutes per game are his highest since 2011-12 and more than double what he had averaged in any of his previous four seasons.
"The coaches I talked to about JaVale sort of said you had to watch his minutes because he's really good for five straight games, but you have to give him some rest," Walton said. recently. "And he played 36 for us in the last game and was one of our best players, if not our best player on the pitch, in terms of how he protected our rim and bounced the ball. So he has been as valuable as all members of this team so far. "
Chandler can help keep McGee's minutes under control while enjoying a homecoming. The Bulls' # 2 choice in 2001, Chandler was born from a high school career in Compton, California. He has championship experience, having helped the 2011 Mavericks upset James Heat in the NBA Finals.
"I'm grateful for my stay in Phoenix and would like to thank my teammates, my coaches, the hospitality desk and the fans for an amazing experience," said Chandler in a statement. "I wish them the best and I am excited for the next stage of my career."
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