Tyson Chandler seems to have settled into his new surroundings quite comfortably.
The 18-year veteran joined the Los Angeles Lakers this week after being bought out by the Phoenix Suns. And, having played his first game for his new side against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, he looked right at home.
The center played 23 minutes in his Lakers debut, scoring just two points. But his impact on the glass and as a defensive presence in the post was huge.
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Chandler has credited teammate Rajon Rondo for his impressive first as a Laker, revealing the floor general guided him throughout the game.
“Rondo was a huge help, he was telling me where to be at all times, making eye contact with me,” he said after the 114-110 win. “I’ve seen a lot of the sets to kind of pick up on them. I knew the basics, but clearly, I didn’t know second and third options.”
Rondo, however, chalked the strong debut down to Chandler's vast experience after playing 18 years in the NBA.
“The game is simple, and he’s been around the league a while… It’s basketball talk and he’s really very familiar with it,” the point guard remarked. “He’s a great communicator on the floor and he knew what I was talking about on both ends. I’m glad he’s a Laker now.”
Lakers Head coach Luke Walton agreed that Rondo, who dished out 10 assists on the night, was a big help for his new center.
“He was good,” Walton said. “Obviously, the possession with those tap outs late in the game really helped seal the deal. He’s a winning player, he’s a champion for a lot of years in this league and he gave us a taste of what he could do as far as when he was out there.
"Rondo was doing a nice job of getting him where he needed to be on certain plays and with his fatigue level, he was very honest when he needed a sub. So, there was just constant communication going with that.”