Lakers: Power Under the Boards

Nov 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) holds the ball defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (left) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 109-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) holds the ball defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (left) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 109-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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Pretty impressive to have all these players on the same team who fight relentless, night after night, following the teammates’ miss. That is the reason why LA is No. 9 in the NBA in second chance points at 13.8.

Despite the Russian being the only player over 6-foot-10 in the rotation, the Lake Show big men are not backing down from fighting in the paint to give the team a fair shot to reach the playoffs for the first time in four years.

Next: New Year's Resolutions for the Purple and Gold

Do the Purple and Gold still need help on the boards? Should they consider a trade at the deadline to acquire some legitimate size up front? Let us know in the comments below!

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