Lakers win in Tyson Chandler’s Debut

17-year veteran debuted for his favorite club, making a huge contribution in their win over Minnesota Timberwolves 114-110.

Last night was all about love at the Staples Center. Tyson Chandler, one of the most popular figures in the league finally fulfilled his childhood dream. To wear purple and gold jersey.

“It’s honestly all love,” Chandler said. “I love this city the way they love me.”
Chandler spoke about his time spent in LA while being just a high-school kid who was at a time one of the highest prospects in the country. His life path went the other way, and he never got the chance to represent this city while playing in the NBA. Until now.

“When you’re homegrown from here and going to high school and all that and you’ve had these same fans, and now you represent the jersey that everybody has been cheering for their entire lives, you kind of become one.” , the veteran center told the media, ” I’ve been on the other side and played the villain. Now it’s great to be on this side and actually rep them.”

And he did well in his first game for the Lakers. In 23 minutes, he had 9 boards and 2 points, but that isn’t showing his real contribution. The Lakers had rebounding domination in this game, largely because of Chandler who prevented Wolves’ big men from getting into position to get the ball. But not only that, Minnesota’s centers, Towns and Dieng scored 17 points combined, which is way beneath their usual production. Plus, in the last minute, former Suns center had two important offensive rebounds and had played defence on Derrick Rose who missed a three-pointer which could change everything.

Minnesota’s Good Start

Though, the guests were playing excellent in the first half, and the main reason for that was a superb percentage behind the three-point line, as they had 11 of 19. However, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart didn’t allow them to make some serious difference. Derrick Rose had another good performance, with 31 points shooting 7 of 9 for three. But the youngest MVP in the history of the league had many objections on the referees. That last shot he took when Chandler guarded him might have been a foul.

“They’re not going to give me that call,” Rose said with a shrug. “They haven’t been giving me that call, so I’ve just got to get used to it.”

Jimmy Butler added 24 points, with 5 assists and rebounds apiece, with a solid percentage from behind the arc, 5 of 8. Despite all the recent speculations about his departure, Butler continues to behave like a true professional, and his performances for Minnesota are nothing but good. In the interviews, he still speaks about the team as “we” and he doesn’t want to mention anything linked with his trade.

“Very, very frustrating to know we were that close, and all we have to do is rebound the basketball,” Butler said. “But that’s been the story for us so far. We’ve been right there. We’ve been outrebounded. We have to figure out a way to go get the ball.”

For the Timberwolves, this has been their fourth straight loss, and they still haven’t won away from home since the season opener. At the moment they have 0-7.

The Lakers, recorded their third triumph in the previous four matches. LeBron James was one assist shy of reaching a triple-double, as he had 24 points, 10 rebounds beside 9 dimes. Kuzma added 21 points, same as Josh Hart, while Brandon Ingram had one point fewer.

Sacramento as the Next Destination

Up next, the Timberwolves are going to Sacramento this Friday, to face the surprising Kings, who had been playing above all expectations this year. The interesting thing is that the Kings are going to play against the Lakers the very next night.