3 keys for Lakers to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament

Andre Drummond, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Rumors, NBA Free Agency
USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers need to control the “rebounding war” during games

Rebounding was a huge strength of the Los Angeles Lakers last season, but this year, they are not as strong rebounding even though they have added guys like Montrezl Harrell and Andre Drummond. Both AD and LeBron James missing time definitely hurt the Lakers in this category, but in order for them to continue finding success, this team will have to control the glass. 

In the Lakers last four wins against the Jazz, Magic, Nuggets and Suns, in each of these four games, they outrebounded their opponents and in their last six losses, their opponents outrebounded them in 4 of these 6 games. 

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: LeBron James eyeing return to Lakers’ lineup soon

This team lives and dies by their ability to rebound and if they can continue finding success on the glass in their final few games, then they could definitely avoid having to play in the play-in tournament. 

Rebounding is also going to be extremely important to this team come playoff time, especially since they will be a lower-seed against anybody that they play. With or without LeBron James, other guys like Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will all have to step up and “crash the glass” on both ends of the court to help Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond. 

Both Davis and Drummond are elite-level rebounders, but for this team to be as successful as they can be, rebounding will have to be a collective effort. 

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