The Los Angeles Lakers made their acquisition of veteran centre Tyson Chandler official Tuesday, signing him two days after he reached a buyout deal with the Phoenix Suns. Chandler, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2011-12 and winner of an NBA title with Dallas in 2011, is in his 18th NBA season. He brings needed depth at center to a Lakers team that is still finding its feet after the addition of superstar LeBron James this season. They have relied heavily on veteran JaVale McGee, who is averaging 26.2 minutes per game, the first time in seven years he has averaged 20 or more minutes. General Manager Rob Pelinka said he had discussed the move with chief of basketball operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson as well as coach Luke Walton.
