Tyson Chandler says he hasn’t played with a closer like LeBron James since teaming up with Dirk Nowitzki

For the second time in his 18-year career career, Tyson Chandler will play alongside a former league MVP in LeBron James. The first time was when he teamed up with Dirk Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

Chandler and Nowitzki only spent one season together in Dallas, but in that short amount of time they upset the back-to-back champion Los Angeles Lakers and brought the Mavericks their first and last championship in franchise history — over James’ Miami Heat.

While it’s highly unlikely he’ll enjoy the same success in his first season in L.A. because of how young the team is, he still recognizes the unique opportunity he has playing with James, who he said is the biggest game changer he’s played with since he teamed up with Nowitzki.

“Honestly I can’t describe it. It’s amazing,” Chandler said. “I haven’t played with a closer like that since Dirk (Nowitzki). To be able to have him close out games, I know how special he is on both ends honestly, Defensively and offensively. I just want to take some of the pressure off him. The more pressure i can take off of him, it’ll free him up to do all the special things that he’s been doing his entire career.”

Both James and Nowitzki are two of the most dominant offensive players in the history of their positions. In fact, James and Nowitzki are ranked No. 5 and No. 6 respectively on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

James passed Nowitzki for the No. 5 spot earlier this season with 31,330 points and counting but in Nowitki’s defense, he hasn’t suited for a game this season.

Chandler might not be an All-NBA player himself, but after his debut with the Lakers, it’s easy to understand why all-time great players like having him on their team.

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