Chandler Says LeBron 'Best Closer Since Nowitzki' After Lakers Beat Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers held off the Minnesota Timberwolves in a nail biting finish to record their fifth win of the 2018-19 season.

The 114-110 win brought their early season record to an almost respectable 5-6 to stand 10th in the Western Conference, but it was not guaranteed until the final seconds of the game.

LeBron James was again the leading scorer for the Lakers and came close to recording his second triple-double with his new franchise. But he had to settle for 24 points, 9 assists and 10 rebounds.

The Lakers do have defensive issues and that was clear after the first 11 games. They have struggled to contain teams, especially when they are outnumbered in terms of size on the court.

Timberwolves point guard Derrick Rose put in yet another outstanding performance with 31 points that included 7-for-9 from beyond the arc. His seventh for the night brought the team within one point with 1.06 remaining but his potentially game winning three-pointer in the final seconds was off target.

Luke Walton’s job has come under the microscope after his team’s difficult start to the campaign and his future would have again been questioned had they lost to the Timberwolves. But his team found the stops necessary down the stretch and managed to pull off a fighting win.

Tyson Chandler, meanwhile, made his debut for the Lakers just days after signing as a free agent following his contract being bought out by the Phoenix Suns. The veteran center was brought on to give them some size as a backup for starting center JaVale McGee.

The former Dallas Mavericks star made an impact by contributing nine rebounds in 23 minutes on the court and was delighted to open his Lakers account with a win. He also revealed the joy of playing with James and believes he is one of the best closers the game has ever seen while referring to his time with Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.

“It’s been a crazy 48 hours, but it was great,” Chandler said after his Lakers debut Wednesday night, as quoted by Clutch Points. “It was great to get the first win out the way, be out there, be a part [of the team], playing competitive basketball, and like you said, being able to help the team out I’ve watched my whole life. And get a dub.”

“Honestly, I can’t describe it,” the Lakers center said of playing with James. “It’s amazing. I haven’t played with a closer like that since Dirk. To have him close out games, I know how special he is on both ends. I just want to take pressure off him.”

James, coach Walton and Brandon Ingram were all full of praise for Chandler after the game and believe the veteran can make an impact going into the rest of the campaign.

The Lakers next face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday and then take on the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. If they can stretch their winning run, they will be in the positive in terms of their win-loss record for the first time this season.