Overview
- James, speaking Thursday ahead of the first-round matchup, told teammates to "get your ass in there, box out and rebound" as his core pregame message.
- Houston led the NBA in offensive rebounds at 15 per game, a strength that creates extra possessions and second-chance points.
- Los Angeles struggled on the glass this season with 41 total rebounds per game and just 9.4 on offense, ranking 27th and 29th in those categories.
- James likened preparing for Houston’s rebounding to facing Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack, underscoring how a singular team strength can dictate terms.
- Reporters and major sports sites amplified his remarks, turning rebounding into the central storyline shaping expectations for the series.