Tyson Chandler bought out by Suns, plans to sign with Lakers

6:41 PM ET

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  Adrian WojnarowskiESPN

After clearing waivers on a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns, center Tyson Chandler plans to sign a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told ESPN.

Chandler, 36, will be a backup to starting center JaVale McGee for the Lakers, who are desperate for an infusion of size and defensive rebounding.

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  LeBron James said his focus -- and his team's -- remains solely on winning after news emerged of coach Luke Walton's heated meeting with president of basketball of operations Magic Johnson.

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  Lakers president Magic Johnson admonished coach Luke Walton as the new-look roster featuring LeBron James has gotten off to a sluggish start.

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Chandler is a native of Los Angeles, and has been anxious to find a new home amid the Suns' rebuild. The sides agreed to a buyout on the $13.6 million left in the final year of his original four-year deal, sources said.

Chandler is considered one of the strong veteran leaders in the league, and will be a welcome addition to a largely youthful Lakers locker room.

The New York Times first reported the buyout was in process.

The Lakers have been using rookie Johnathan Williams as a backup center, but he's on a two-way contract and limited to only 45 days in the NBA.

Chandler is in his 18th season after entering the NBA draft out of high school in 2001. His productivity has been on the decline in recent years, and he averaged 6.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in 46 starts for the Suns in 2017-18.

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