*The Athletic* reports that the Los Angeles Lakers have been in talks with the Houston Rockets regarding the acquisition of Steven Adams. The possible transfer occurs while the seasoned center has been making a big impact on the Rockets’ frontcourt in his current position. Adams leads the squad with a net rating of +11.3 over the last 30 games and has become one of the league’s most dominant big players in terms of setting screens and grabbing rebounds.
Adams has extraordinary mastery over the paint. With a remarkable average of 7.7 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes, he leads the NBA in rebounding statistics per minute. For a club like the Lakers, who need a more reliable presence in the frontcourt, his physicality and unwavering effort on the boards make him an invaluable asset. Adams is also one of the greatest at screening, which opens doors for teammates and makes ball handlers’ jobs easier.
The Lakers would greatly improve their defense and rebounding efforts with the addition of a player of Adams’ caliber, giving them access to a top-tier rim protector and an offensive rebounder who can prolong possessions. This move could be crucial for the Lakers as they look for another deep playoff run, with an emphasis on developing a group that can contend for a title.