Tyson Chandler is a former Defensive Player of the Year, so he knows defensive talent when he sees it. The veteran center, whom the Los Angeles Lakers signed last week after he reached a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns, says he's been impressed with point guard Lonzo Ball and small forward Brandon Ingram on the defensive end.
The Lakers still have one of the worst defenses in the NBA, but things have looked better since the arrival of Chandler, who says Ball and Ingram use their length and size to their advantage, via ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward:
Tyson Chandler on #Lakers that have impressed defensively: "The young ones. Lonzo & Ingram with their length. I think they have a chance to be great defenders. And of course, Kuzma is my guy. I knew Kuz before he got drafted, so I love talking to him & the heart he plays with."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 13, 2018
The Lakers are 3-0 since they signed Tyson Chandler. The 18-year pro is averaging only 3.0 points with the Purple and Gold, but his biggest impact has been on the defensive end. Chandler is grabbing 8.3 rebounds and blocking 1.3 shots per game. The 7-footer had the game-winning block against Atlanta Hawks rookie Trae Young on Sunday. He has four blocks in three games with the Lakers.
Lonzo Ball is 6-foot-6. For a point guard, that's pretty tall. The former No. 2 overall pick is averaging 1.2 steals per game this season. Like Ball, Brandon Ingram is long and lengthy. The 21-year-old is 6-foot-9 and has a 7-foot wingspan. Earlier this season, Ingram used his long arms to deflect an inbound pass, and it led to a Lakers victory.
With Rajon Rondo mentoring Ball and Chandler on the team now, both Lonzo and Ingram should get smarter on the defensive end as the season moves along.
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