Reason 2: Luke had to deal a lack of big men
I think we can all agree that JaVale McGee was a fantastic pick up for the Lakers. He is happy to be in Los Angeles playing for the Lakers, and he is doing everything he is being asked to do. The only problem is that there is only one of him.
What we wouldn’t give to have a great back up for McGee. It’s obvious, other than lack of being able to score in crucial periods of games to pull out a win, the other thing the Lakers need is a big rebounder.
I am sure some proposed changes came out of Luke’s meeting with Magic, and one was probably to locate a veteran big man to compliment JaVale McGee. Enter Tyson Chandler, who just was bought out by the Phoenix Suns.
In addition to his buyout of $13.6 million, which is the remainder in his contract in the fourth year of a four-year deal, Chandler stands to make an additional $2.5 million (prorated minimum after he clears waivers.)
The Chandler signing became official on Tuesday, as he cleared waivers and signed with the Lakers.
LeBron is happy about it according to Woj, “We love the fact that we’re going to get another veteran. 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.”
Jonathan Williams, on a two-way contract and limited to 45 days playing up with the Lakers, has been a nice addition, but a veteran should tremendously help the team win.