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Los Angeles Lakers: Tyson Chandler putting the team first

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Tyson Chandler #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates to a Laker's win with teammates after the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Tyson Chandler #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates to a Laker's win with teammates after the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers center Tyson Chandler has put the team first since arriving in Hollywood.

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Tyson Chandler, some people were skeptical of the impact he would have on the team. Playing in his 18th season in the league, Chandler is no longer the difference maker he once was.

Chandler has been named to multiple All-Defensive teams and took home a Defensive Player of the Year award during his time with the New York Knicks. However, during his time with the Phoenix Suns, Chandler was a shell of himself.

Chandler’s role was diminished with the Suns this season with a youth movement in full swing. Phoenix selected Arizona center Deandre Ayton with the No. 1 overall pick and was ready to give him as many minutes as possible.

While Chandler is a great veteran to learn from, there wasn’t really a spot for him in Phoenix. As a result, the two sides agreed to a buyout. No one claimed Chandler, allowing him to choose his next destination, which ended up being the Lakers.

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Chandler revealed that the Lakers weren’t the only franchise that tried to sign him. However, coming home was too much to pass up.

Los Angeles is happy that they were the selected team. Chandler has provided an immediate impact defensively, as the team has won all four games that Chandler has played in.

He has brought intensity to the defensive end of the court, anchoring the team with his rim protection and rebounding. At this point in his career, all Chandler is worried about is winning games. He is more than happy doing his part and does not want to upset the chemistry that is being built.

Recently, Chandler was asked about his role on the team. He is currently backing up JaVale McGee, as the two are in a timeshare. Chandler is perfectly fine coming off the bench and has no interest in pushing McGee out of the starting lineup.

That is the type of selflessness that teams need to be successful. The Lakers have a deep team, as Chandler’s addition enables them to be at least two or three players deep at every position. As long as everyone is willing to buy in and not worry about individual performance, things will work.

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For the past four games, that is exactly what has happened. Chandler has put the team first, and other players have followed suit. Luke Walton is beginning to find some consistency with his rotations, and it is resulting in better performances, leading to more wins.

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