Lakers: Power Under the Boards

If there is one thing we learned in the Lakers’ loss to the Raptors Monday night, it is that the Lakers don’t lack rebounding ability, especially on the offensive end.

In Monday night’s disappointing loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Los Angeles Lakers were once again not able keep the same level of energy through out the game. However, one positive takeaway from the game was the job on the glass by the second unit. Namely, former Kansas products Thomas Robinson and Tarik Black.

One huge reason LA stayed in the game through the first three quarters was the energy and effort Tarik Black and Thomas Robinson brought.

Both of them caught 9 rebounds in 14 and 17 minutes respectively. More impressive, Black had 3 offensive rebounds while Robinson had 7.

Add this to 9 rebounds (3 offensive) by Julius Randle.

Rebounding is one of the few things which have remained constant for the Purple and Gold the whole season. They are average in the league in rebounds per game, but fifth in offensive rebounds with 11.8.

The three aforementioned players plus Mozgov are in the top 40 in offensive rebounds per game. Black and Mozzy have 2.2, Randle 2.1 and Robinson 2.0. Furthermore the currently injured Larry Nance Jr. adds 1.5.