Los Angeles Lakers Need To Control The Boards

By Brendan Patel on October 18, 2014

There are many questions for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the regular season. Their best players are well past their prime, and are coming back from key injuries that have decreased their ability on the court. The team lacks capable defensive players, and will struggle to contain top scorers. They have a new coach who is hoping to change the culture of the team and bring back the winning ways. One area that should not be a concern for the team is rebounding, and it is vital that they control the boards every game.

Jordan Hill may be one of the best rebounders in the league, and is excellent at creating second-chance opportunities. He has a nose for the ball and is getting better every year at positioning himself properly to keep opposing players off of the offensive glass. Carlos Boozer has been a double-double machine throughout his career, and he uses sound technique to offset his athletic limitations. Julius Randle was known as a relentless rebounder in college, and should be able to transfer that skill to the pro level. Ed Davis might have the most potential with his length and athleticism, and he averaged close to double digit rebounds per game early in his career despite playing limited minutes.

If Randle can earn the trust of coach Byron Scott, then the Lakers will likely rotate between four big men. All four of these players are strong rebounders and must help the team use it to their advantage. The Lakers also have several strong rebounders from the small forward and guard position. Wesley Johnson has excellent athleticism and should be able to use that to help control the glass. Kobe Bryant has always been a good rebounder for a guard and can contribute as well.

The Lakers may struggle in other areas of the game, but there is no reason for them to not have a positive rebounding margin every night. The coaches need to emphasize rebounding and how important it is to this team. If the Lakers can control the boards, then they will give themselves a better chance to win games.