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Chandler chose Lakers over Warriors

Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty

Like the subject of a Robert Frost poem, veteran center Tyson Chandler had to choose his path while negotiating his buyout with the Phoenix Suns.

The 36-year-old big man ultimately chose the road less gilded, eschewing the opportunity to join the two-time reigning champion Golden State Warriors in favor of his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.

"It was, like, five teams, and I narrowed it down to two," Chandler said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "And then I had to do some heavy thinking and praying.

"And then I (could) only see myself in a Lakers uniform. So it kind of made the decision for me."

Chandler blossomed into an elite pro prospect at Manuel Dominguez High School in Compton two decades ago, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to select him second overall in the 2001 draft. But the California native was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls for Elton Brand. Despite playing parts of 18 seasons with six different franchises, Chandler never suited up for any of his home-state teams, let alone one of the two L.A. franchises - until now.

Chandler has already made his veteran presence felt in three games with his new team, averaging three points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and one steal in 22.7 minutes per game. He's also shown a knack for being in the right place at crucial moments:

The Lakers are 3-0 since Chandler entered the fold and now boast a winning record (7-6) for the first time since the LeBron James era began.

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