Tyson Chandler is swapping one purple element for another, as he looks destined to join the Los Angeles Lakers after coming to a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns. The buyout was declared "in process" in the wee hours of the morning. Tyson Chandler, 36 years old, is a valued commodity for his rare mix defensive rebounding, rim protection, and freak athleticism. LeBron James was one of the first Lakers' players to openly welcome his addition to the roster.
"We love the fact that we're going to get another veteran," LeBron James said. "A guy who plays hard, a guy who's very smart and another champion to add to the champions that we have in this system here today, and it adds depth in our frontcourt, which we have had trouble with at times."
For Tyson Chandler, signing with Los Angeles is a bit of a homecoming, because he grew up in the neighboring area just south of Fresno, California. The veteran center is nonetheless expected to come off the bench behind JaVale McGee, another big with freak athleticism, and a limited shooting range. Chandler will not travel with the team until all the paperwork is figured out. The Lakers face a big test tonight against one the Eastern Conference's better outfits, the Toronto Raptors.
