LeBron James played with a brand-new teammate on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves and things looked good for much of the game. As a matter of fact, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled out an impressive win over the Timberwolves, 114-110, as the King almost hit a triple-double in the game. The win was the third for Los Angeles in the last four games and was accomplished with a brand-new teammate in Tyson Chandler.
Tyson Chandler's performance
Tyson Chandler has been in the NBA for a very long time. The 36-year-old center spent his career playing for a number of teams, including the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns.
After starting out this season only averaging 12.7-minutes and 3.7-points a game, the Suns let him go to find another team.
That team was the Los Angeles Lakers and Tyson Chandler immediately made his presence known. Alternating in and out with starting center JaVale McGee, Chandler played an impressive 23 minutes in the game. He only scored two points but pulled down nine rebounds, proving to be the defensive presence that the Lakers have needed all season long.
It was very impressive but even LeBron James pointed out that Tyson Chandler is not yet where he needs to be with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron talks Tyson Chandler
LeBron James has played against Tyson Chandler for his entire career.
When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Chandler, LeBron was very excited because the team was adding a veteran star that could pick up on things a lot faster than a younger talent. LeBron even said that Chandler stepped right up and was actively talking to the younger players and helping them along in the game.
LeBron said that for Chandler and McGee to provide a one-two punch was impactful -- especially with the way that Derrick Rose was shooting threes in the fourth quarter of the game (he hit 7 of 9 in the game).
It was the rebounds that helped and James said that the Lakers played the best defense they have played all year.
However, LeBron James then said that Tyson Chandler is not where he wants to be right now. He specifically said that Chandler's legs are not where the center wants them to be right now so the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers have to pick up for him when they can because every minute that he plays for the team is impactful.
The Los Angeles Lakers next play on Nov. 10 against the Sacramento Kings on the road.
