The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

THE Lakers improved immediately, from a defensive stand point, with the addition of veteran centre Tyson Chandler, after he was bought out by the Phoenix Suns.

Chandler picked L.A. out of about five teams trying to secure his services.

Chandler’s game is very similar to that of starting centre JaVale McGee.

Considering, both men pride themselves on above-the-rim scoring, rebounding and defence.

Chandler is still an explosive leaper who makes a living on lobs, and rebounding.

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

Also not to be forgotten, Chandler owns the third-best career field goal percentage, it’s true!! 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.

Unlike McGee, Chandler shouldn’t be expected to rack up gaudy 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, 7-foot-3 wingspan and all, can alter enough shots at the rim to make life difficult for opposing offences.

Chandler joins the Lakers with a reputation as one of the league’s most respected and knowledgeable teammates.

LeBron James — who played alongside Chandler for the 2012 United States Olympic team — approves of what Chandler brings to the squad.

Said James:

“I love the fact that we’re going to get another veteran. 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.”

A former second-overall pick, Chandler 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.

Today, 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. Even with me in the league, it’s always a conflict of interest when I come into town — and a lot of my family members don’t choose my team.”

That should be the least of Chandler’s worries, after losing their first three games, the Lakers have won seven of their next 10 games.

Now at 7-6 the Lakers are poised to make a run in the loaded Western Conference, and in order to do so Chandler must excel at his role on the team.

If he can, the Lakers could go a lot further than expected this season.

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1.Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net