LeBron James: Lakers president Magic Johnson makes Tyson Chandler comparison with NBA star
TYSON CHANDLER has been likened to LeBron James by the Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson.
James - a four-time MVP - is heading back to the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight with the Lakers and both teams have been in transition.
After a shaky start to the Western Conference, James has helped the Lakers turn things around and their record after 16 games stands at 9-7.
The Cavs however sit rock bottom and since James’ departure have been in a downward spiral and their record is dismal - 2-13.
Lakers coach Luke Walton came under fire earlier this campaign and he brought in Chandler to help support James on court.
And the Lakers president Johnson has explained how happy he is with Chandler, even drawing parallels between him and all-star James.
“I love [Chandler]. Love him,” Johnson said.
“Again, we brought in another champion and somebody to anchor our defense when JaVale is on the bench.
“He sets probably some of the best picks in basketball, and then when you think about Tyson, his basketball IQ is just like LeBron, just like Rondo.
His basketball IQ is just like LeBron, just like Rondo
“He’s very intelligent.
“And then he’s coming back home, he’s really happy that he’s playing at home for the Lakers, and we’re definitely happy to have him.
“It takes a lot of pressure off of Kyle Kuzma, now moves him back to his natural position, which is power forward.”
Meanwhile, FOX Sports analyst Shannon Sharpe reckons James’ career will never be eclipsed.
“I don’t think we’ll ever see this again,” he said.
NBA: LeBron James arrives in Cleveland ahead of Cavaliers game
“This is very impressive because I can assure you, no matter how great we thought he was going to be, nobody thought he would do this.
“Nobody saw all-time leading scorer, nobody saw this kind of greatness.
“We thought he could be good, we thought he could be great.
“But not pantheon, not transcendent, not Mount Rushmore.”