Tyson Chandler

Rodrigo Azurmendi

EL SEGUNDO – Los Angeles Lakers han firmado al pivot Tyson Chandler, según anunció hoy el gerente general Rob Pelinka. Por política del equipo, los términos del vínculo no fueron difundidos.

Actualmente en su temporada No. 18 en la NBA, Chandler tiene promedios en su carrera de 8.6 puntos (59.6 por ciento en tiros de cancha), 9.3 rebotes, y 1.2 tapones en 1,086 juegos en su carrera (875 como titular) con Chicago, New Orleans, Charlotte, Dallas, New York y Phoenix. Al disparar por encima del 55 porr ciento de cancha en cada una de sus últimas 13 temporadas, Chandler se ubica actualmente tercero en la historia de la NBA en esa categoría (mínimo de 2,000 canastas anotadas).

"Tras observar nuestro plantel durante los primeros 10 juegos de esta joven temporada, una de las áreas que Earvin y yo hablamos con Luke fue el deseo de mejorar la defensa interior y el rebote", dijo Pelinka. "Estamos emocionados por la experiencia de campeonato que Tyson le traerá a nuestro equipo de los Lakers, que solidificará nuestro liderazgo veterano, y ayudará a moldear de forma positiva a nuestro núcleo joven. Estamos encantados de que Tyson se una a nosotros en el camino hacia nuestras metas como equipo".

Chandler fue nombrado el Jugador Defensivo del Año en la temporada 2011-12, siendo elegido al Tercer Equipo de la NBA. El pivot, quien fue seleccionado tres veces a los Equipos Defensivos de la NBA (2010-13) y al Juego de Estrellas de 2013, fue miembro del equipo campeón de Dallas Mavericks en 2011, y ganó la medalla dorada con la Selección de Estados Unidos en los Juegos Olímpicos de Londres 2012.

lakers-firman-al-pivot-tyson-chandler

Lakers firman al pivot Tyson Chandler

lalswong

EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Tyson Chandler, it was announced today 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.

lakers-sign-tyson-chandler

Lakers Sign Tyson Chandler

Joey Ramirez

The Lakers added some needed depth at the center rotation by signing 7-foot-1 veteran Tyson Chandler on Tuesday.

The big man — who said he picked L.A. among about five teams — joins the Lakers after having his contract bought out by Phoenix.

Chandler’s game bears some resemblance to starting center JaVale McGee, as both men pride themselves on above-the-rim scoring, rebounding and defense.

Though the 36-year-old has seen his minutes and production decline after nearly two decades in the NBA, he is still an explosive leaper who feasts on lobs.

Last season, he shot 38-of-58 out of pick-and-rolls in 46 games for the Suns, ranking in the NBA’s 86th percentile as a roll man (1.28 points per possession).

He should be a natural fit among maestro ball handlers like Rajon Rondo and LeBron James.

“All I’ve been thinking about is all the incredible playmakers on the team,” Chandler said.

The Lakers received an in-person look at this facet of his skill set on Oct. 24, when he had 14 points and 11 rebounds in only 14 minutes, mainly by attacking off the roll.

Chandler — who owns the third-best career field goal percentage in NBA history (59.58) — never strays far from the basket, instead hunting around the rim for cuts, put-backs and lobs.

Across this year and last, only eight of his 199 shot attempts came outside of the restricted area.

Chandler averaged 3.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in only 12.7 minutes for the Suns this season, ranking second on the team in boards despite receiving the 10th-most playing time.

And though he has logged 18 years of NBA experience, Chandler still has enough bounce to battle on the glass multiple times in a possession.

The biggest question mark will be how much Chandler can offer the Lakers defensively, considering he didn’t have much assistance on a Phoenix team that ranked among the NBA’s bottom three in defensive rating in back-to-back years.

Unlike McGee, Chandler shouldn’t be expected to rack up eye-popping numbers, as he has two steals and one block in 89 minutes this season — after averaging 0.3 swipes and 0.6 swats last year.

Instead, the impact will be determined by whether Chandler — a classic drop-back center armed with a 7-foot-3 wingspan — can alter enough shots at the rim to make life difficult for opposing offenses.

Chandler joins the Lakers with a reputation as one of the league’s most beloved teammates. LeBron James — who played alongside Chandler for the 2012 United States Olympic team — approves of what he brings to the squad.

“I love the fact that we're going to get another veteran,” James said after Saturday’s win over Portland. “A guy who plays hard, and a guy who's very smart, and another championship to add to the champions that we have. … That adds depth in our frontcourt, which we've had trouble with at times.”

While McGee has been outstanding for the Lakers this season, the backup center position has been a revolving door.

Ivica Zubac, Johnathan Williams and Kyle Kuzma (in small-ball lineups) have all received time at the 5-position to varying results. Adding Chandler gives the Lakers a known commodity in that role.

The former second-overall pick has enjoyed a decorated career. From 2011-13, he earned the titles of: NBA champion; Defensive Player of the Year; Third Team All-NBA; Olympic gold medalist; NBA all-star; and First Team All-Defensive.

Five years later, Chandler is in the twilight of his career, but still can fill an important role for the Lakers, who rank just 23rd in defensive rating and 24th in rebound differential.

A local legend at Compton’s Dominguez High, Chandler has returned to L.A. with a mission to use his skill set and experience to help his hometown Lakers in areas of need.

“My family have always been Lakers fans,” Chandler said. “Even with me in the league, it’s always a conflict of interest when I come into town — and a lot of my family don’t choose my team.”

Tyson Chandler

Lakers firman al pivot Tyson Chandler

Lakers Sign Tyson Chandler

Latest Laker: Tyson Chandler