Jeff Eisenberg, The Press-Enterprise
EL SEGUNDO - It's too early to pass judgment on this year's Lakers, but Lamar Odom can't contain his enthusiasm about one aspect of the team.
Asked Friday if this is the best rebounding team he's been part of in his NBA career, the veteran forward considered the makeup of the Lakers roster for a moment, concluding, "I would definitely have to say, 'yes,' to that."
Despite a potent frontcourt, a deep bench and the presence of the league's reigning MVP, the Lakers believe rebounding could be their greatest strength. They're first in the league in rebound differential through four games, having an average margin of more than 12.
That advantage has been especially key in the Lakers' two most recent games, which they won despite erratic offensive performances. They outscored Denver 21-4 on second-chance points last Saturday and fueled a game-clinching, 22-0 fourth-quarter run Wednesday against the Clippers with a tip-in by Odom and an offensive rebound and layup from Jordan Farmar.
"People forget how important dirty work is," Odom said. "Defensively it makes you better because you don't give up second opportunities. Throughout the playoffs, second opportunities kind of plagued us, so you take away those and you take away driving lanes, and it just helps you defensively."
It's probably too simplistic to attribute the Lakers' rebounding prowess to their size advantage alone, but that's certainly a big factor. With 7-footers Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol in the frontcourt, 6-foot-10 Vladimir Radmanovic at small forward and 6-foot-10 Odom coming off the bench, the Lakers can create mismatches for any team.
Bynum was particularly dominant on the glass Wednesday night, tying his career high of 17 in 34 minutes against the Clippers. The presence of two low-post scorers on the court at all times often forces opposing big men to double team, leaving Gasol, Bynum or Odom free to clean up the rebound.
Hoping To Avoid a Letdown
Neither Jackson nor his players seemed too concerned that this peculiar stretch of eight days with only one game will hurt the Lakers' rhythm heading into Sunday's marquee matchup with fellow Western Conference contender Houston.
Asked how the team looked in practice Friday after an off day Thursday, Jackson said he's satisfied with the effort.
"They've been OK," he said. "They came in today just a little lethargic, which is natural after not being active yesterday. But they got after it and they started playing hard."
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