Ziaire Williams Discusses Importance Of Team Rebounding

One area that the Los Angeles Lakers hope to be significantly improved in this season compared to last is their rebounding. Last season’s roster ranked 27th in rebounds per game — 29th in offensive rebounds and 22nd in defensive — and dead last in box outs per game. Advanced metrics gave L.A. a more favorable view, but no one would argue that last season’s team was good at rebounding.

The Lakers brought in Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney — two of the league’s best rebounding bigs — to alleviate this issue, but also added players like Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, who are strong rebounders for their positions due to their defensive activity. Williams spoke about rebounding and how it’s a point of emphasis for him and the Lakers to improve this season.

“Yeah, for sure, it takes all five of us to gang rebound, especially when (Walker Kessler) is not in,” Williams said after Thursday’s practice. “Especially me, but everyone, we gotta do a better job of wanting it a little bit more. Wanting to fight the box-out battle, fight bodies and get hit. We’ll get there.”

Williams admitted that his defensive role will sometimes make it challenging to also fight for rebounds, but that’s something he and his teammates will have to figure out.

“Sometimes, yeah. But now that we’re constantly emphasizing it, it’s definitely always on my mind to make sure that even on the 30 or 40-foot contest, I have to get back into the play,” he added.

JJ Redick did not have the type of roster last season to deploy this gang rebounding mentality. LeBron James was obviously a good rebounder for his position, even in his age-41 season. But Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes and others were all below average rebounders at their positions.

Kessler and Looney should clean much of that up on their own, but Williams is showing that they are not going to leave it entirely up to their big men, and already refreshing change-of-pace from previous iterations of the Lakers roster.

Ziaire Williams injury update

Williams has been dealing with a minor foot contusion but feels ready to play in the preseason finale.

“Good. It’s up to the staff now. I’m in good hands. They’ve been taking care of me,” Williams said. “See how we feel. But yeah, it’s up to them. I’m ready to go as long as they say I am.”