Rebounding is a clear emphasis across the NBA in its 2025-26 season, and the Houston Rockets lead the league in that category. One big reason, literally and figuratively, is veteran center Steven Adams.

In 21.8 minutes per game, the New Zealand native is averaging a whopping 9.2 rebounds (4.8 defensive) this season, and his massive 6-foot-11, 265-pound presence often draws numerous defenders to shield him from the glass. In turn, that opens up rebounding opportunities for teammates.

Advertisement

That made Adams a point of discussion on the latest episode of LeBron James’ Mind the Game podcast, which the Los Angeles Lakers superstar hosts with Steve Nash — formerly a star NBA player and head coach.

Regarding the league’s rebounding push and Adams specifically, they said:

Nash: They’re at a 37% offensive rebounding rate. That’s insane, and Steven Adams is getting over one in four offensive rebounds when he’s on the court. So, one in four misses, Steven Adams is getting that thing. And to go through the analytics again, our highest value (shots) are layups, free throws, and then offensive rebounds… because offensive rebounds lead to more layups, more free throws, and kick-out threes (3-pointers). So, you can see the value of Steven Adams to that offense, when we don’t really consider him an offensive player.

James: Right, and we understand that. You know as a competitor, and as an opposing team, that if you play Houston, one of the main focuses is Steven Adams. You need the whole team, plus the bench and the coaching staff and your security team, to box him out. He’s the strongest guy. Oh my god, he’s ridiculously strong. You can’t box him out with two people.

Nash: You need three or four guys around him, and then other guys get an opportunity, because you’ve got to double and triple him on the glass. He puts himself in a position where he can make a play on the ball, even if three guys are trying to box him out. Incredible impact. …

Houston, at this moment in time, is flirting with the highest offensive rebounding rate this century. And they’re (close to) the No. 1 offense.

The complete podcast can be viewed below.

In a highly anticipated matchup, James and the Lakers (17-6) will host Adams and the Rockets (15-6) on Christmas night in Los Angeles. That Dec. 25 showdown will tip off at 7:00 p.m. Central, and it will be televised to a national audience on ABC and ESPN.

More: LeBron James, Steve Nash share optimism on ‘double big’ Rockets

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: LeBron James: When playing Rockets, Steven Adams is a ‘main focus’