Tyson Chandler Chose LeBron Union Over Curry Partnership, Earns Praise

Los Angeles Lakers’ latest recruit Tyson Chandler has revealed the Staples Center-based franchise was not his only option when considering his future after the Phoenix Suns bought out the final year of his contract.

The veteran center was courted by more than one franchise, but Chandler admitted he could only see himself in a “Laker uniform.” He has made a strong impact since his arrival earlier this month as Luke Walton’s team are undefeated in their last three games.

Chandler’s move to the Lakers had LeBron James’ blessing as the three-time NBA champion is said to have called the Suns’ interim general manager James Jones to initiate the buyout process. When it became clear he will be a free agent there were a number of franchises interested including the Golden State Warriors.

Chandler has revealed he had a choice between five teams and after a lot of thinking he narrowed it down to two – James’ Lakers and Stephen Curry’s all-conquering Warriors. After some “heavy thinking and praying” the center chose to join the Lakers.

"It was, like, five teams, and I narrowed it down to two," Chandler said Tuesday, as quoted on ESPN. "And then I had to do some heavy thinking and praying.”

"And then I [could] only see myself in a Lakers uniform. So it kind of made the decision for me,” the veteran center added.

The 36-year-old has made an immediate impact with the Lakers unbeaten in three, while also winning five of their last six games and this after losing their first three matches of the season. Chandler is averaging 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1 steal in 22.7 minutes off the bench.

The veteran center’s biggest contribution came during the game against the Atlanta Hawks when he made a last second block to deny Trae Young to score the winner ensuring the Lakers took the game 107-106. James laid on the praise in buckets and revealed that the entire team were excited after his block on young rookie sensation Young.

"I mean, he's huge," James said talking about Chandler’s effect on the team. "We knew we had a [backup center] spot that needed some reassurance, and for us to be able to get Tyson in the fashion that we got him and to be able to just implement him in right away and the impact that he's made in what, three games?"

"You see a lot of game-winning shots. You see a lot of game-winning assists," the Lakers small forward added. "But for you to see a game-winning defensive block like that, you don't see that much in our league. So for him to go up there and get that on a guy that's shooting a floater and time it perfectly, we were all excited about that."