LeBron James' booming message about Lakers' biggest concern vs Rockets

If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to have a real shot at getting past the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs, they're going to have to do at least one thing well: pound the boards.

The Rockets were first in total rebounding percentage and offensive rebounding percentage during the regular season, and it was a major reason they ranked third in second-chance points. The Lakers, at times, have had problems with giving up offensive rebounds and second-shot opportunities to opponents, and that is something they absolutely must shore up in this upcoming series.

It is something coach JJ Redick made clear to the media this week. LeBron James repeated that message on Thursday and issued something of a call to arms for his teammates.

“They're the best rebounding team in the last 25 years,” James said. “… You don't need to have a message. It's like going up against a [Patrick] Mahomes team, they're the best passing team in the last 30 years. ... The message is, get your ass in there, box out and rebound. Don't need to have a message. We're all grown men. Do your job.”

While the Rockets spent the season dominating the boards, the Lakers ranked a somewhat modest 12th in total rebounding percentage and defensive rebounding percentage, as well as 13th in opponents' second-chance points. Everyone will have to put a body on Houston's big and athletic personnel and limit Houston to one shot per possession as much as possible.

If Los Angeles does that and also speeds up the tempo (Houston was next-to-last in pace during the regular season), it could at least compete hard with and company.