Thank God for Tyson Chandler

In our limited sample size with Tyson Chandler, we've finally gotten to see what this team looks like with some competent help down low. To say the Lakers look like a different basketball team wouldn't be an understatement as the addition of Chandler seems to have given the second unit the shot in the arm it needed. Leading up to the Chandler acquisition, opposing teams would feast on the Lakers while McGee sat as there simply wasn't anyone on the roster that offered any sort of rim protection or rebounding to slot in there. In Chandler, the Lakers have a savvy vet and reliable big man they can trust to go head to head with just about center in the league while McGee gets his rest.

Chandler fits in seamlessly to the Lakers system as he possesses a very similar skillset to McGee. Chandler will never stretch the floor with his shooting but he will hit the glass hard on a nightly basis, alter shots at the rim, and put himself in position to grab easy lobs for the multitude of playmakers the Lakers have rostered.

Chandler was instrumental in shutting down Towns and had his way on the offensive boards against Sacramento. The Lakers are never going to be the best lockdown defensive unit in the league so grabbing those offensive boards, extending possessions, and converting on those second chance looks become even more important given our style of play. McGee has shown us he is willing to do the dirty work and is capable of offering that help on the first unit and now hopefully the second unit can keep seeing more of the same from Chandler.

From a pure X's and O's standpoint Chandler is a great fit, but he adds even more value considering his veteran presence and basketball knowledge. Chandler is an incredibly smart defender and once upon a time was the leagues most feared interior defender. Having smart veteran basketball minds like him and Rondo will do wonders in helping develop the overall game of the Lakers young players.

Once again this all comes from a very limited sample size in just 2 games, but the addition of Chandler seems to have had a major impact with the Lakers already. It may be optimistic, but for the first time this season, the Lakers look like a complete basketball team.