As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their playoff series against the Houston Rockets, coach JJ Redick highlighted the team's need for improved physical readiness compared to last year's first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers are focusing on measurable physical elements such as workloads and jumps, having mapped out their training regimen in advance. Redick emphasized that controlling the ball and boxing out are crucial against a Rockets team renowned for its offensive rebounding, which led the league with a 38.8% offensive rebounding percentage this season, the highest since the 1996-97 season. The Lakers previously won the regular season series against the Rockets, 2-1, but face challenges with star players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined indefinitely due to injuries. The emphasis on boxing out has been welcomed by players, as they prepare to counter the Rockets' aggressive rebounding tactics. Redick stated, “If we don’t take care of the ball and we don’t box out, we’re not gonna win the series.”