LeBron James: New Lakers signing makes admission over star, talks Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma
LOS ANGELES LAKERS' new signing Tyson Chandler has praised LeBron James after the duo were reunited on Tuesday.
Chandler and James previously played together on the USA Olympics team.
The 36-year-old has been brought into the Lakers team to stiffen up their defence and stop the team conceding easy points.
Chandler, who plays as a center, paid out £1.52million ($2m) from his own pocket in order to finalise the deal to move to Los Angeles.
After making the move, he praised James, and hinted that playing alongside the star was a big consideration for him when making the move.
“I’m looking forward to [playing with James],” he said.
“We played together a couple times on Team USA.
“I’ve always admired his game, but not only just his game but leadership and what he means to the game.
“To be able to lace it up with him, I’m going to take his lead and give him what I got.”
The Lakers have had a poor start to the season.
Despite their relatively young and inexperienced team, head coach Luke Walton is reportedly in danger of losing his job after going 4-6 after the first ten games.
Chandler, however, insisted he was happy with the state of the team.
“I’ve been watching a lot of these guys come along,” he said of Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kozma.
“Watched Lonzo since he was in college.
“Watched Kuz, he played with my brother.
“I see the spark and fight in them.
“Helping them, teaching them what it takes to be champs and what it’s going to take to bring another banner here.”
Chandler’s first appearance for the Lakers could come on Wednesday night.
The Lakers host Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves.